Online Poker in Maryland | The Best Poker Sites for MD Players
Maryland online poker players have access to great real money poker sites through reputable offshore platforms. While the state does not currently regulate online poker, you can still enjoy cash games, tournaments, and cash in on lucrative promotions using secure sites that accept Old Line State residents.
In this guide, we’ve evaluated and vetted the best sites based on traffic levels, game variety, banking options, and player rewards. Read on to discover the best platforms for your playing style, as well as key legal insights you should know before playing.
Online Poker Legality Snapshot
| Online Poker | Available - Offshore Only |
| Commercial Poker | Available |
| Legal Gambling Age | 21+ |
| Poker Regulator | Maryland State Lottery & Gaming Control Agency |
Can You Play Online Poker for Real Money in Maryland?
Yes, Maryland players can play real money online poker at offshore poker sites. These sites have been serving US players securely since before the poker boom, offering a mix of cash games, tournaments, and fast payouts.
With many options available, choosing the right poker room can be overwhelming. Our top recommendations highlight trusted sites with soft competition, generous bonuses, and reliable banking options to help you find the best fit for your playing style.
Top Sites for Online Poker in Maryland
Picking the right site involves more than having a wide selection of games. The best platforms stand out by offering consistent player traffic, suitable competition levels, and quick, efficient banking.
Below are the ones that earned our top spot after testing and reviewing several poker sites that accept Maryland players.
- BetOnline Poker - Best Online Poker Room
- Everygame Poker - Best for Jackpot Sit & Gos
- Juicy Stakes Poker - Best for Rakeback
Comparing Online Poker Rooms Available in Maryland
Finding the right online poker site in Maryland depends on factors like bonuses, tournament guarantees, player traffic, and banking options. Some sites excel in offering soft competition, while others provide high-stakes action or unique promotions.
The table below breaks down the key differences between our top recommendations, making it easier to find the best platform for your playing style.
| Poker Room | Poker Bonus | Freeroll Tournaments | Visit Site |
|---|---|---|---|
| BetOnline Poker | 100% up to $1,000 + 8 days of tournament tickets ($5 of bonus released for $50 rake earned, 30 Day Expiry) | YES | Visit BetOnline Poker |
| Juicy Stakes Poker | 200% up to $1,000 with bonus code 1000JUICY. ($5 increments for 83.335 FPP earned. 90-day expiry.) | YES | Visit Juicy Stakes Poker |
| EveryGame Poker | 200% up to $1,000 + 25 casino free spins with bonus code 1000EGP. ($5 increments for 83.335 FPP earned. 90-day expiry.) | YES | Visit EveryGame Poker |
How We Select the Best Online Poker Sites in Maryland
When we review the top Maryland online poker sites, we look at the features that matter most to players. This includes player traffic, promotions, and game availability. Here are some of the primary criteria we use when evaluating online poker rooms.
- Availability in Maryland - Before anything else, we verify that a site accepts Maryland players.
- Player traffic and competition levels - High player traffic is vital to ensure poker games run 24/7.
- Poker bonuses and promotions - We’re looking for welcome bonuses and promotions that bring good value to players.
- Game variety and availability - We evaluate the types of poker offered and how often the games are available for both cash games and tournaments.
Is Online Poker Legal in Maryland?
Online poker is not regulated or licensed in Maryland, meaning no state-sanctioned poker sites exist. Sports betting is the only form of legal online gambling in the state.
Maryland law explicitly prohibits "betting, wagering, or gambling" (Maryland Criminal Law § 12-102), but enforcement focuses on illegal gaming operators, not individual players. No players have been prosecuted for playing on offshore poker sites.
Offshore poker sites have served Maryland residents for many years and are an alternative worth considering. Still, players should do their research, as local authorities do not provide consumer protections.
The legal gambling age in Maryland is 21 for casino-style games, including poker. Some offshore sites may allow players aged 18 and older, but Maryland residents should follow state regulations.
For those seeking legal poker options, Maryland offers live poker at licensed venues such as MGM National Harbor and Maryland Live! Casino, which hosts regulated cash games and tournaments.
Will Maryland Regulate Online Poker?
Lawmakers in Maryland have introduced multiple bills in the past to regulate online casinos and poker, though none have passed. There is currently interest in revisiting online gambling legislation, and discussions are likely to continue in the coming years.Online sports betting is already legal in Maryland, and nearby states, such as Pennsylvania and New Jersey, have regulated online poker.
If the trend toward online gambling expansion continues, Maryland may explore similar measures to remain competitive. For now, players can access offshore poker sites that accept Maryland residents. If you support online poker regulation, consider expressing your opinion to your state legislators.
Play Online Poker Responsibly in Maryland
Maryland online poker is intended to be enjoyed responsibly as entertainment. When gambling stops being fun, or if it becomes a problem, help is available.
Below are local resources that provide education and help resources for problem gamblers.
- Maryland Alliance for Responsible Gambling - Resources and assistance for problem gamblers, including self-exclusion
- Maryland Lottery and Gaming - Information and resources for problem gambling help
- Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling - Information and no-cost counseling and help for problem gamblers
Poker Players from Maryland
Maryland has produced many successful live and online poker pros over the years. The state has live poker and is a reasonable driving distance to poker-heavy states like New Jersey and New York.
Phil "OMGClayAiken" Galfond is easily one of the state's most recognized online poker pros due to his epic online high-stakes battles. A former WSOP World Champion also hails from Maryland. Greg Merson, an online cash game pro, won the 2012 WSOP Main Event.
Here are the top live poker players from Maryland.
- Anthony Gregg - $12,062,895
- Gregory Merson - $11,484,627
- Justin Liberto - $6,341,935
- Christian Harder - $5,955,675
- Steven Dannenmann - $4,827,428
- John Brock Parker - $4,031,674
- Daniel Kelly - $3,643,567
- Rhett Butler - $3,367,469
- Phillip Galfond - $2,976,763
- Jesse Yaginuma - $2,506,412
Maryland and Online Poker
No one knows exactly when Maryland will regulate online poker, players can still access established offshore poker sites offering real money games, high-traffic tables, and competitive promotions.
We've highlighted the top Maryland poker rooms to help you find the best fit for your playing style. BetOnline Poker provides a balanced mix of tournaments and cash games, Everygame Poker is a great choice for Jackpot Sit & Gos, and Juicy Stakes Poker stands out for its rakeback rewards.
Whether you're chasing a deep tournament run or just unwinding with casual cash games, Maryland players have plenty of online poker room options today.
All Poker and Gambling Laws by State
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