Casinos in Maryland – Top Gambling Experience

Whether you’re on a trip to the Chesapeake Bay or a resident of the Free State, you can be confident you’ll find plenty of excellent gaming opportunities. Maryland provides a fantastic experience for all types of players with six land-based casinos and numerous great games. Check out our article for more information on the top casinos in Maryland and their great games.

The History of Gambling and Maryland Casinos

Maryland has had a decently long history with gambling. It was one of the first states to legalize bingo games in 1952 as charity games, and the state lottery was opened in 1972. According to gambling laws in Maryland, most forms of gambling are legal, although there is heavy regulation, and online casinos are prohibited.

Maryland casinos were legalized in 2008 with an amendment to the Maryland Code, and the first establishment, Hollywood Casino Perryville, was opened in 2010. Since then, the state has expanded to six casinos, with several of the largest ones in Baltimore. Thus, players have various options and can find a fun experience at multiple locations across the state.

While there are currently no plans for online casinos, sports betting was legalized in 2020, and many casinos now provide sportsbooks. As such, there is hope that players can play in Maryland online casinos in the future and enjoy exciting games similar to the ones at the best US online casinos. Remember that the legal age for gambling at a casino is 21.

What Are the Six Casinos in Maryland?

Although there are only six establishments, they can all be considered the top casinos in Maryland. They provide a great experience for all types of players, ranging from casual slots to thrilling table games, and their quality rivals the best casinos in Reno. We will cover each of them in detail so that you can check out your favorites with the following list of casinos in Maryland:

Rocky Gap Casino Resort – Top State Park Casino

The Rocky Gap Casino Resort is undoubtedly one of the most interesting establishments on the Maryland casinos map, as it is located in the Rocky Gap State Park. As such, players can enjoy a relaxing natural experience while playing their favorite casino games. It has also earned numerous awards, such as the prestigious AAA Four Diamond Award, which guarantees its quality.

The selection of games is outstanding, as it features more than 600 slot machines with wide bet limits for players of all budgets. Table games range from classic blackjack and roulette games, which are ideal for testing your favorite roulette strategies, to exciting casino poker games. Finally, you can find a selection of lottery games, such as the popular Mega Millions jackpot, for a unique experience.

As the casino is in a state park, you can take a break and relax at any time with the other amenities. You can explore the park, participate in outdoor activities, relax at the spa or your spacious rooms, and grab a bite at a restaurant. There is also an entertainment center with comedy shows and concerts, a casino loyalty program, and plenty of promotions.

Horseshoe Casino Baltimore – The Vegas Experience

Experience the excitement of a Vegas casino with the Horseshoe Casino Baltimore. The Caesars Entertainment Corporation owns it, which also owns one of the most expensive hotels in Las Vegas, so you can expect quality entertainment. From an excellent casino room to nightclubs and five-star restaurants, this is undoubtedly an outstanding casino.

This casino provides an excellent selection of over 2000 slots and 100 video poker games. There are also plenty of unique table games, such as Crapless Craps and Criss Cross Poker, and a spectacular sportsbook where you can bet on your favorite events. It is also the best location for playing poker in Maryland casinos, thanks to its WSOP Poker Room and many excellent tournaments.

While there is no hotel at the casino, this establishment is affiliated with various hotels and inns around Baltimore. It also has an outdoor gaming room, live events, nightclubs, and many great restaurants. The casino is located in the heart of Baltimore, connecting it to various attractions, such as the Inner Harbor, National Aquarium, and the Baltimore Ravens’ stadium, so you can easily catch a local match.

Hollywood Casino Perryville – MD’s First Legal Establishment

While it may not be as fancy as some of the new Maryland casinos, Hollywood Casino Perryville is a landmark as the first legal land-based establishment in Maryland. Players can enjoy a fantastic experience with many excellent casino games, a great sportsbook, and many promotions, such as giveaways or discounts at the restaurant.

The library of games includes 800 slot machines, with popular titles such as Dollar Storm and 88 Fortunes, alongside plenty of relaxing classic table games. Similar to the Horseshoe Casino Baltimore, players can enjoy a poker room with daily bonuses and weekly tournaments featuring popular types such as No Limit Hold’em. There is an excellent sportsbook where you can bet on your favorite sports and horse racing events 24/7.

Off-track betting lets you bet on your favorite horse racing events and watch them on wide-screen TVs, bringing you the same excitement as the best horse racing movies. There’s also a restaurant with a live stage for concerts and a DJ for the casino floor.

Live! Casino & Hotel – Excellent Jackpot Slots

Among the pros and cons of casinos in Maryland, their game libraries are their biggest strength, such as the one at Live! Casino & Hotel. Owned by the Cordish Company, the Live! brand began as an entertainment district in Baltimore and has now grown to become a popular international brand. You won’t have to worry about what is the best time to play slots as the casino is open 24/7.

The casino floor will undoubtedly impress even the most experienced players. There are more than 4000 slots, with popular titles such as Ultimate Fire Link and Wheel of Fortune. Casual players can enjoy the latest 3D slots, while high rollers can try their luck with progressive jackpots, with two in-house progressives tied to all games.

You can also find unique table games, such as Big Six Wheel and a progressive jackpot side bet in baccarat. There is also a lavish poker room, electronic tables, and a sportsbook for those who want a different experience.

The casino is located in the Arundel Mills Mall, so you can find plenty of other entertainment opportunities. Grab a bite at one of the many excellent restaurants and bars, such as Sports & Social, where you can watch various sports events. The Hall at Live! is the stage where you can watch live events, such as comedians, concerts, and even boxing matches. Lastly, there’s an excellent hotel for relaxing after a long day.

Ocean Downs – Maryland’s Best Racino

Same as one of the best casinos in Oregon, one of the casinos in Maryland is a racino. Ocean Downs is a harness racetrack owned by Churchill Downs Inc. built in 1949. It was selected as one of the five establishments to receive a casino license in the 2008 referendum, opening with around 800 machines in 2011.

These days, players can enjoy more than 800 slots with over 300 themes and participate in various excellent jackpot games. There are also many video poker games and a selection of 18 tables with nine games, which includes several casino poker titles. There’s also a sportsbook open from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m., with various professional and amateur sports events, such as football, hockey, baseball, and more.

Naturally, you can also bet on simulcast horse racing events or live harness ones, with races occurring up to four days a week. Those seeking even more entertainment can enjoy various trackside activities or get a closer look at the action. There are also several restaurants with TV monitors and a racetrack view, so you can relax while watching.

MGM National Harbor – The Newest Casino

One of the newest Maryland casinos is the MGM National Harbor, which opened in 2016. Vici Properties owns it, and the famous MGM Resorts International, a popular Vegas brand that also owns the MGM Grand Detroit, operates it. You can enjoy a high-quality casino with plenty of fantastic games.

With more than 2200 slots and electronic and live table games, there is no shortage of fun games to try. The slots have wide bet limits and include various progressive jackpots in the High Limit room, while the poker room provides live PVP games with up to eight players.

The table games also include unique titles, such as Midi Baccarat and Face Up Pai Gow Poker. Finally, there’s a sportsbook where you can bet on sports events or off-track horse racing and watch them live in the lounge.

MGM National Harbor also features numerous amenities, possibly the largest number among the top Maryland casinos. You can relax at a spa, visit an art gallery, or explore the shops and seasonal events at the conservatory. There’s also a fitness center and pool, alongside a relaxing hotel. Lastly, there are many live events, such as circus performances and concerts, and you can even host your events, such as weddings.

Other Gambling Opportunities in Maryland

If you’re aware of what the six casinos in Maryland are but prefer other forms of gambling, you can find plenty of other fun opportunities in the state. As mentioned, sports betting was legalized in 2020, with the first sportsbook opening in 2021. Players can now bet on their favorite live matches, even through online mobile apps. Daily Fantasy sports are also available.

Horse racing is another prominent option, as it has been around since the 19th century. Maryland features several thoroughbred and standardbred racetracks, the most famous being the Pimlico Race Course. You can bet on simulcast events across the US or prestigious local events, such as the Maryland Million Day, an entire day of 11 thoroughbred stakes races. The Maryland Racing Commission regulates events.

Players can also enjoy lottery games, ranging from the popular interstate Mega Millions, Powerball, and Pick 3 to the unique Racetrax keno game. There are also many scratch cards and keno games. Rest assured, the games are regulated by the State Lottery and Gaming Control Agency, which also oversees all casinos. You can also play charity bingo games or enjoy online social gaming sites.

Remember to gamble responsibly and contact any relevant organizations, such as the Maryland Alliance for Responsible Gambling, if you need help combating gambling addiction. The legal gambling age is 18 for the lottery and 21 for casinos. If you wish to compare the Maryland casinos further, you can check out our articles on the top US casinos and the best casinos in Texas.

Casinos in Maryland FAQ

Before wrapping up our article on the casinos in Maryland, we will answer all your pressing questions. You can learn more about the casinos, such as what games they offer and where to find them. We will also go over some of the laws and other gambling options in MD.

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