Are online casinos legal in Maryland?
Real money online casino gambling is not legal in Maryland. The state regulates gambling through the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency (MLGCA), which oversees the state's six commercial casinos, sports betting, and lottery products. Online casino-specific legislation has been introduced but has not advanced to a vote as of 2026.
Maryland legalized sports betting in 2021 with mobile wagering launching in November 2022, and the state is home to major casino properties including MGM National Harbor, Live! Casino, and Horseshoe Casino Baltimore. Despite this mature gambling landscape, online casino legislation has not kept pace. Sweepstakes casinos fill that gap legally, operating under federal sweepstakes law independently of Maryland's gambling statutes.
Offshore real money casino sites are sometimes used by players in states without licensed options, but these carry significant risks and are not recommended. More on that below.
| 🎰 Online casinos | No, only sweepstakes casinos |
| 🎭 Sweepstakes casinos | Yes |
| ♠️ Land-based casinos | Yes (6 commercial casinos) |
| 🏇 Horse racing | Yes (Pimlico, Laurel Park) |
| 🚫 Legal gambling age | 21+ (18+ for lottery and bingo) |
| ⚠️ Gaming authority | Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency (MLGCA) |
Best sweepstakes casinos in Maryland 2026
All four casinos below are available to Maryland residents, free to join, and hand out a no-purchase bonus just for signing up. Each operates under the sweepstakes model and has been verified as available in the state.
| Casino | Welcome bonus | Daily login bonus | Number of games |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crown Coins | 200% extra coins up to 1.5M CC + 75 SC | Up to 50,000 GC + 1.5 SC | 700+ |
| SpinQuest | 200% extra up to 300,000 GC + 30 SC | 10,000 GC + 1 SC | 1,000+ |
| Bankrolla | 200,000 GC + 2 SC | Daily quests and missions | 1,000+ |
| MyPrize | Up to 750,000 GC + 65 SC | 1,000 GC + 1 SC | 1,800+ |
Crown Coins
- Cash and gift card redemptions
- iOS mobile app available
- VIP rewards program
- Live chat support
- No table games
Crown Coins gives new Maryland players 100,000 Crown Coins and 2 Sweeps Coins just for signing up, with no purchase required. The first purchase offer gives a 200% boost up to 1.5 million CC plus 75 SC for those who want to top up. The progressive daily login bonus is one of the best-structured recurring bonuses in the sweepstakes space, growing the more consecutive days you check in to a maximum of 50,000 GC and 1.5 SC per day.
The game library covers 700+ titles from providers including Hacksaw Gaming and Relax Gaming, with a focus on slots, scratch cards, and arcade games. There is no live dealer or table game section, making it primarily a slots-first platform. The iOS app holds a 4.8 App Store rating and 24/7 live chat support is available. Redemptions are processed within 24 hours via Skrill or ACH bank transfer.
| No-purchase bonus | 100,000 CC + 2 SC |
| First purchase bonus | 200% extra up to 1.5M CC + 75 SC |
| Daily login bonus | Progressive up to 50,000 GC + 1.5 SC |
| Number of games | 700+ |
| Live dealer | No |
| App Store rating | 4.8 ⭐ |
| Google Play rating | Not available |
| Redemption speed | Within 24 hours |
| Restricted states | CA, CT, ID, LA, MI, MT, NV, NJ, NY, WA |
SpinQuest
- Welcome offer up to 100K GC and 2 SC
- No promo code needed for registration
- Great mobile experience
- Streamlined registration process
- Unusual 3x SC playthrough requirement
SpinQuest offers Maryland players 100,000 Gold Coins and 2 Sweeps Coins with no purchase required on sign-up, plus a 200% first purchase bonus up to 300,000 GC and 30 SC. A daily login bonus of 10,000 GC and 1 SC is available every 24 hours at no cost. The play-through requirement is a straightforward 1x on Sweeps Coins with a 50 SC minimum to redeem.
The game library covers 1,000+ titles including recently added live dealer blackjack tables, which puts SpinQuest among the few sweepstakes casinos in this category to offer live dealer play. Slots, table games, and arcade titles are all covered, with providers including BGaming. There is no dedicated native app, but the mobile browser experience is well-optimized for iOS and Android. Redemptions are processed within 24 hours.
| No-purchase bonus | 100,000 GC + 2 SC |
| First purchase bonus | 200% extra up to 300,000 GC + 30 SC |
| Daily login bonus | 10,000 GC + 1 SC |
| Number of games | 1,000+ |
| Live dealer | Yes (blackjack) |
| App Store rating | Not available |
| Google Play rating | Not available |
| Redemption speed | Within 24 hours |
| Restricted states | CT, ID, LA, MI, MT, NV, NJ, NY, WA |
Bankrolla
- User-intuitive website
- Above standard welcome offer
- Games by top developers
- No live dealer games
Bankrolla launched in May 2025 and has quickly built a reputation for having one of the more generous no-purchase sign-up bonuses in the sweepstakes space. New Maryland players receive 200,000 Gold Coins and 2 Sweeps Coins just for creating an account, with no code and no purchase required. Ongoing daily quests and missions provide regular opportunities to earn free Sweeps Coins through normal gameplay, which is a more engaging structure than a straightforward fixed login bonus. The play-through requirement is 1x on SC with a 100 SC minimum to redeem.
The game library covers 1,000+ casino-style titles with a focus on slots from providers including Playson and Mascot Gaming, alongside crash games, keno, and bingo, which gives it a slightly different character from the standard sweepstakes slot catalog. There is no native app, and prize redemptions are available via ACH bank transfer only, which is more limited than most competitors. Bankrolla is operated by Epic Play Holding Inc., a Florida-based company, and is available in 35 US states.
| No-purchase bonus | 200,000 GC + 2 SC |
| First purchase bonus | $9.99 bundle for extra SC available |
| Daily login bonus | Daily quests and missions |
| Number of games | 1,000+ |
| Live dealer | No |
| App Store rating | Not available |
| Google Play rating | Not available |
| Redemption speed | 1 to 2 days (ACH only) |
| Restricted states | CA, CT, DE, ID, KY, LA, MI, MS, MT, NV, NJ, NY, VA, WA, DC, WV |
MyPrize
- Codes aren't required to claim bonuses
- High-quality games from top providers
- Straightforward SC redemption process
- Responsive customer support
- Not available in 7 US states
MyPrize stands out as one of the rare sweepstakes casinos to offer dedicated native apps for both iOS and Android, which is a meaningful advantage for Maryland players who prefer mobile play. New players receive 1,000 Gold Coins and 1 Sweeps Coin on sign-up, building up to a total welcome package of 750,000 GC and 65 SC. A daily login bonus of 1,000 GC and 1 SC is credited every 24 hours at no cost. The play-through requirement is a standard 1x on Sweeps Coins.
The game library covers 1,800+ titles from studios including BGaming, NetEnt, Evolution Gaming, Hacksaw Gaming, and NoLimit City, making it the largest and most provider-diverse library on this page. Live social games, slots, table games, and scratchcards are all available. MyPrize is a Silicon Valley-backed operator available in 43 US states, giving it broader reach and a stronger infrastructure backing than many newer sweepstakes platforms.
| No-purchase bonus | 1,000 GC + 1 SC |
| First purchase bonus | Up to 750,000 GC + 65 SC total package |
| Daily login bonus | 1,000 GC + 1 SC |
| Number of games | 1,800+ |
| Live dealer | Yes |
| App Store rating | Available (rating not published) |
| Google Play rating | Available (rating not published) |
| Redemption speed | 1 to 2 days |
| Restricted states | CA, CT, HI, ID, MI, MT, NV, NJ, NY, WA |
How sweepstakes casinos work in Maryland
Sweepstakes casinos operate under federal sweepstakes law, which makes them legal in Maryland independently of the state's position on real money online gambling. The model is built around two types of virtual currency: Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins.
Gold Coins are used for free entertainment only. Sweeps Coins work differently. You earn them through sign-up bonuses, daily login rewards, and other promotions, and any Sweeps Coins you win through gameplay can be redeemed for real cash prizes once you've met the play-through requirement, typically 1x. No purchase is ever required to participate, as a free alternative method of entry is always available under sweepstakes law.
How to get started at a sweepstakes casino in Maryland
Getting started is free and takes just a few minutes from any device in Maryland.
How to create an account
Registration at any sweepstakes casino on this page requires only basic personal details and takes under five minutes.
- Choose a casino and visit their site: Use one of the links on this page to go directly to your chosen sweepstakes casino and ensure the sign-up bonus is applied to your new account.
- Fill in the registration form: Enter your name, email address, date of birth, and any other required details. Some platforms let you sign up using a Google or Facebook account to speed things up.
- Verify your email: Check your inbox for a verification link and click it to activate your account.
- Claim your no-purchase bonus: Your free Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins will be credited automatically after verification. No payment is needed to start playing.
- Start playing: Head to the game lobby, choose a title, and start playing with your free coins.
How to purchase coins (optional)
Purchasing coins is entirely optional and never required to play or redeem prizes. It's a way to get more coins to play with and unlock the first purchase bonus.
- Go to the store or shop section: Find the coin store in your account, usually accessible from the lobby or account menu.
- Choose a Gold Coin package: Select the package that suits your budget. Most platforms include bonus Sweeps Coins with every purchase.
- Select a payment method: Common options include Visa, Mastercard, and online banking. Available methods vary by operator.
- Complete your purchase: Confirm the transaction and your coins will be credited to your balance instantly.
How to redeem Sweeps Coins for prizes
Once you have met the play-through requirement and accumulated enough Sweeps Coins, you can request a prize redemption directly from your account.
- Check your Sweeps Coin balance: Make sure you have enough SC to meet the minimum redemption threshold, typically between 10 SC and 100 SC depending on the operator.
- Meet the play-through requirement: All four casinos on this page require a 1x play-through on Sweeps Coins before redeeming.
- Go to the redemption section: Find the Redeem or Prizes section in your account menu.
- Choose your prize type: Most casinos offer cash prizes via bank transfer or PayPal, or gift cards as an alternative. Bankrolla currently only supports ACH bank transfer for redemptions.
- Submit your request: Confirm the redemption and allow the stated processing time, typically one to two business days.
Check out more excellent Maryland sweepstakes casinos
Get up to 500K Gold Coins + 105 FREE SC + 1000 VIP points
+3
- 100,000 GC + 2.5 SC welcome bonus
- Slots, table games, and arcades
- 25+ renowned software providers
Get 200% More Coins on First Purchase - 1.5M CC + 75 SC
+4
- Library of 500+ slot games
- Well-known software providers
- Fair games with certified RNGs
120K GC + 60 SC FREE + a chance to win 500 SC FREE
+4
- 1,000+ casino-style games
- Games sourced from top-rated providers, such as Playtech
- Slots and live social dealer games are available
Games you can play in Maryland
Sweepstakes casinos offer a wide range of casino-style games accessible to Maryland residents at no cost. The variety across the four platforms on this page covers most of the game categories you would find at a licensed real money casino.
🎰 Slots
Slots are the most widely available game type across all four casinos on this page. Libraries range from 700+ at Crown Coins to 1,800+ at MyPrize, covering classic three-reel games, modern video slots, jackpot-style titles, and crash games at Bankrolla. Key providers represented include Evolution Gaming, Hacksaw Gaming, BGaming, NetEnt, NoLimit City, Playson, and Mascot Gaming.
🃏 Table games
Digital table games are available at SpinQuest and MyPrize. Standard formats include blackjack, roulette, and video poker variants. Crown Coins and Bankrolla do not currently carry a dedicated table game section.
📺 Live dealer games
SpinQuest offers live dealer blackjack, making it one of the few sweepstakes casinos on this page with live streaming play. MyPrize also carries live social games. The live dealer offering across sweepstakes platforms is smaller than at real money operators but continues to grow.
🎮 Specialty and other games
Bankrolla stands out on this page for offering crash games, keno, and bingo alongside slots, giving it a more varied specialty games catalog than most sweepstakes competitors. MyPrize includes scratchcards and casual game formats. Crown Coins carries arcade-style titles as part of its core library.
Should you join an offshore casino in Maryland?
Offshore online casinos are sites based outside the US that accept players from states where real money online casino gambling is not licensed. They are not recommended for Maryland players.
Offshore casinos operate without any US state regulatory oversight. There is no authority verifying that their games are fair, no requirement to hold player funds in segregated accounts, and no legal protection or recourse available to you if a withdrawal is refused, an account is closed without explanation, or the site shuts down. In licensed US states these protections are mandatory. At an offshore site, they simply do not exist.
Payment difficulties are also common at offshore sites. Because they are not licensed in the US, many banks and processors flag or block transactions with them. Withdrawals can be slow, unreliable, or subject to conditions that were not clearly stated. Sweepstakes casinos are a legal, regulated, and risk-free alternative that offers real prize opportunities through a transparent and well-established model. For Maryland players, they are the clear better choice over any offshore option.
Real money casinos vs sweepstakes casinos in Maryland
Real money online casinos are not available in Maryland, so the comparison here is between what sweepstakes casinos offer now versus what a licensed real money casino would eventually provide if legalization passes. Understanding the differences helps set realistic expectations.
The core difference is currency. At a real money casino you deposit dollars and play with dollars. At a sweepstakes casino you play with virtual coins, and Sweeps Coin winnings can be redeemed for cash prizes. The gameplay experience across slots, table games, and live dealer is very similar in practice, but the financial structure is different. Sweepstakes casinos are free to join and carry no financial risk if you never make a purchase.
| Sweepstakes casino | Real money casino | |
|---|---|---|
| Available in Maryland? | Yes | No |
| Free to play | Yes | No |
| No-purchase bonus | Yes | Rare |
| Real prizes available | Yes, via SC redemption | Yes, via withdrawal |
| Game variety | Wide, growing rapidly | Wide |
| Live dealer games | Available at select casinos | Widely available |
| Regulated and licensed | Yes, under sweepstakes law | Yes, under state gaming law |
| Minimum age | 18+ | 21+ |
Could online casinos become legal in Maryland?
Maryland has been among the states where online casino legislation has been discussed but has not yet advanced. The state has a mature regulated gambling environment, with six commercial casinos, a well-established sports betting market, and strong lottery revenues, which means the infrastructure and political framework for expanded online gaming already exists.
Online casino bills have been introduced in the Maryland General Assembly in recent sessions but have not advanced to a full vote as of 2026. The combination of existing commercial casino interests and state revenue potential makes Maryland a plausible future iGaming state, though no timeline is confirmed. Until legislation passes, sweepstakes casinos remain the only legal online casino-style option for Maryland residents.
Casino winnings and taxes in Maryland
All gambling winnings, including cash prizes redeemed from sweepstakes casinos, are taxable income at the federal level regardless of state. The federal tax rate can reach up to 37% depending on your income bracket. Casino and sweepstakes operators are required to issue a W-2G form for certain prize amounts, typically $1,200 or more from slots or bingo-style games, though thresholds vary by game type.
Maryland also applies state income tax to gambling winnings. Maryland's income tax rates range from 2% to 5.75% on ordinary income, and gambling winnings including sweepstakes cash prizes count as ordinary income. Maryland also has a local income tax of up to 3.2% depending on your county, which may apply on top of the state rate. Keep a record of any significant prize redemptions throughout the year and consult a qualified tax professional for advice specific to your situation.
How we pick the best casinos for Maryland players
Every casino on this page was assessed against a consistent set of criteria before being included. Here's what we look at.
✅ Availability in Maryland
The first check is always confirming that the casino is accessible to Maryland residents. Restricted state lists change regularly, and we verify these against each operator's published terms before any recommendation is made.
🎁 Sign-up bonus value
We assess the no-purchase bonus, first purchase bonus, and any daily login bonus against the play-through requirements and redemption minimums. Bankrolla's 200,000 GC + 2 SC no-purchase bonus is the largest flat no-purchase offer on this page. Crown Coins' progressive daily login bonus rewards consistent players the most over time.
🎰 Game library quality
We look at the total number of titles, category spread, software provider quality, and any exclusive content. MyPrize leads on this page with 1,800+ titles from top-tier studios. Bankrolla stands out for its crash games and keno catalog, which you won't find at most sweepstakes platforms.
💰 Redemption process
We assess the minimum SC threshold, available prize types, processing speed, and clarity of terms. Crown Coins and SpinQuest both process within 24 hours. Bankrolla's ACH-only redemption with a 100 SC minimum is the most restrictive on this page.
📱 Mobile experience
We test dedicated apps and mobile browser versions on both iOS and Android. MyPrize is the only casino on this page with native apps on both platforms. Crown Coins has a strong iOS app at 4.8. The other two casinos are browser-only.
🎧 Customer support
We check available channels, response times, and whether basic queries are resolved accurately. Crown Coins offers 24/7 live chat support, which is the strongest on this page. Bankrolla's chat function uses a bot rather than a live human agent, which is a limitation worth noting.
Responsible gambling in Maryland
Sweepstakes casinos are free to play and carry no financial risk if you never make a purchase. However, any form of gaming can encourage extended play sessions, and setting personal time limits from the start is a good habit. All reputable sweepstakes casinos provide self-management tools including play limits, cooling-off periods, and self-exclusion in your account settings.
If gambling in any form is becoming a problem for you or someone close to you, free and confidential help is available from the following organizations.
- National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) — 24/7 helpline, chat, and text support. Call or text 1-800-522-4700.
- Gamblers Anonymous — Peer support groups based on a 12-step recovery program, with meetings available across the US.
Best online casinos by state
Final thoughts
Real money online casino gambling is not available in Maryland for now, but the four sweepstakes casinos on this page offer a genuinely strong free-to-play alternative. MyPrize leads on game library depth and is one of the few sweepstakes platforms with native apps on both iOS and Android. Crown Coins has the strongest iOS app rating and 24/7 live chat support. SpinQuest is the best option for live dealer play with its recently added blackjack tables. Bankrolla is worth trying for its generous no-purchase bonus and distinctive crash games and keno catalog.
Use the links on this page to claim the best available sign-up bonus at whichever casino suits you. No purchase is ever required to get started, and all four are fully legal for Maryland residents.
Get up to 500K Gold Coins + 105 FREE SC + 1000 VIP points
+3
- 100,000 GC + 2.5 SC welcome bonus
- Slots, table games, and arcades
- 25+ renowned software providers
Get 200% More Coins on First Purchase - 1.5M CC + 75 SC
+4
- Library of 500+ slot games
- Well-known software providers
- Fair games with certified RNGs
120K GC + 60 SC FREE + a chance to win 500 SC FREE
+4
- 1,000+ casino-style games
- Games sourced from top-rated providers, such as Playtech
- Slots and live social dealer games are available
FAQs
Are online casinos legal in Maryland?
Real money online casino gambling is not currently legal in Maryland. The state has not passed enabling iGaming legislation despite several bills being introduced. Sweepstakes casinos are legal in Maryland under federal sweepstakes law and are the best available alternative for residents who want to play casino-style games.
What is the best online casino alternative in Maryland?
All four casinos on this page are solid options for different reasons. MyPrize has the largest game library at 1,800+ titles and dedicated iOS and Android apps. Crown Coins has the strongest iOS app at 4.8 and 24/7 live chat. SpinQuest is the best option for live dealer play. Bankrolla offers the largest flat no-purchase sign-up bonus at 200,000 GC plus 2 SC.
What are sweepstakes casinos and how do they work?
Sweepstakes casinos let you play casino-style games using virtual currencies called Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins. Gold Coins are for free entertainment only. Sweeps Coins can be redeemed for real cash prizes after a 1x play-through requirement is met. Every casino on this page gives you free coins just for signing up with no purchase required.
Do I need to spend money to play at a sweepstakes casino in Maryland?
No. Every sweepstakes casino on this page offers a free no-purchase sign-up bonus, and most provide a daily login bonus too. You can play, earn Sweeps Coins, and redeem prizes without ever making a purchase. Optional coin packages are available if you want to top up your balance, but they are never required.
Should I use an offshore casino in Maryland?
No. Offshore casinos are not licensed by any US state authority, which means there are no regulatory protections for players. Your funds are not guaranteed, games are not independently audited for fairness, and you have no legal recourse if something goes wrong. Sweepstakes casinos offer a safe, legal, and free alternative with real prize opportunities.
Do I pay taxes on sweepstakes casino winnings in Maryland?
Yes. Cash prizes redeemed from sweepstakes casinos are taxable income at both the federal and Maryland state level. Maryland taxes gambling winnings as ordinary income at rates from 2% to 5.75%, plus a local tax of up to 3.2% depending on your county. Keep a record of significant redemptions and consult a tax professional for advice specific to your situation.
When could real money online casinos become legal in Maryland?
There is no confirmed timeline. Online casino bills have been introduced in the Maryland General Assembly but have not advanced to a vote as of [yyyy]. Maryland's mature gambling landscape makes it a plausible future iGaming state, but until legislation passes and operators are licensed, sweepstakes casinos remain the only legal online casino-style option for Maryland residents.
What is the minimum age to play at a sweepstakes casino in Maryland?
The minimum age is 18 at all four casinos on this page. This is lower than the 21+ requirement that applies to real money casino gambling in licensed states, reflecting the free-to-play nature of the sweepstakes model.