Maryland Sports Betting up 7.3% in Latest Revenue Report

Maryland sports betting handle is up year-over-year in the newest figures from the state’s gaming commission.

Maryland Lottery and Gaming reported a 7.3% increase in total handle for August 2026, to $465.9 million. That compares to $434.2 million for the same period last year.

Over sports wagering for the fiscal year was also up, 20.5% compared year-over-year. Total sports betting handle was approaching $1 billion across retail sportsbooks and mobile betting apps. The

Mobile Betting the Clear Winner

Maryland Lottery and Gaming reported that $458.7 million was wagered through state-licensed mobile sportsbooks during August. That compared to just $7.1 million in retail sportsbooks.

Both figures were slightly down on July’s handle of $496.4 million. However, that was likely due to the conclusion of the FIFA World Cup in early July.

Both figures were down on the $497 million in betting activity recorded during Maryland’s first full month after going live in 2023. Then, as now, mobile betting far outweighed retail betting in the state.

Maryland has six land-based casinos that offer retail sports betting alongside slots and table games. However, since sports betting went live in 2022, mobile sportsbooks have far outstripped their retail cousins.

Maryland has a comparatively smaller mobile sportsbook industry than other regulated states. The state went live with around seven licensed mobile betting operators. However, that figure has now risen and includes the biggest players, including BetMGM, Caesars, and DraftKings.

$7M Raised for State Contributions

The state of Maryland recouped $7 million from sports betting operations for August 2026, the latest figures show.

Over $5.2 million went to public education programs. Over $288 million has now gone to the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future Fund.

Under Maryland’s sports betting law, operators must contribute 15% of taxable proceeds towards the fund.

Maryland Targets Offshore Betting

Maryland lawmakers were talking tough last month on offshore betting. The new Illegal Online Gambling Enforcement Act is aimed at stopping sweepstakes casinos and unlicensed operators. It’s backed by the Sports Betting Alliance, a group that also includes Maryland’s regulated sportsbooks.

Maryland’s land-based casinos have been particularly badly hit by offshore gambling. Revenues are down, and they are unable to compete with mobile sportsbooks that offer more flexibility.

Prediction Markets Not Immune to MD Action

Maryland also has prediction markets in its sights. The state’s election administrator Jared DeMarinis is asking the state prosecutor to investigate online prediction market exchanges and their practices.

Of particular concern to DeMarinis is the way federally backed markets can offer trades on elections. However, the rise of sports contracts at prediction markets is also concerning. Volume and advertising budgets are both up as the new football season starts.

The key factor, of course, is that any Maryland customers placing trades on platforms like Kalshi won’t be paying state tax, nor will the platforms be themselves. That is certain to make a serious dent in Maryland’s contributions to public education funds.

Maryland Casinos Down as Bad Summer Bites

Maryland’s six brick-and-mortar casinos experienced a downturn for August, according to the latest Maryland Lottery and Gaming reports.

The casinos only generated $160 million combined for August, a near 6% drop year-over-year.

MGM National Harbor still outperforms its rivals but couldn’t escape a 5.1% drop in gambling revenue. Live! Casino & Hotel experienced the hardest drop of over 10% compared to last year.