Maryland Local Casino Guide For 2026
- There are six commercial casinos in the state.
- All domestic casinos are regulated by the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency.
Maryland’s local casinos pack an impressive range of gambling options into a compact, player‑friendly market. From high‑energy gaming floors near Baltimore to polished resort properties further south, the state delivers thousands of slots, table‑games, and on‑site sportsbooks.
Slots remain the backbone of in-person gaming, but the table‑game selection gives players plenty of room to explore; blackjack, craps, roulette, and specialty titles also have a strong presence. Several casinos also feature dedicated poker rooms and full‑service retail sportsbooks, making it easy for visitors to shift between casino classics and sports wagering in a single visit.
Whether you’re a casual slot player or someone who likes to mix poker, table games, and sports into one trip, brick-and-mortar casinos offer a balanced, approachable gambling experience. Below, we will discuss Maryland’s local casinos in further detail and how they compare to online MD casino options in 2026.
Local MD Casinos
Maryland is home to six licensed land‑based commercial casinos, each operating under a strict regulatory framework overseen by the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency*. This oversight ensures that every property meets uniform standards for game integrity, security, payouts, and responsible gaming practices.
The casinos themselves range from full‑scale resort destinations with luxury hotels, entertainment venues, and expansive gaming floors to smaller, more relaxed properties that appeal to players who prefer a quieter atmosphere. Across all six locations, visitors can count on a complete lineup of slots, table games, poker, and retail sports betting delivered in a professionally managed environment.
Whether you want to sit down at a blackjack table, roll the dice at craps, try your luck on roulette, or settle into a poker room for a more strategic session, local casinos provide a cohesive and predictable experience backed by state‑mandated standards.
Below is everything you need to plan a day trip or a full weekend getaway at one of the states gaming facilities, including what to expect on the casino floor, how each property differs, and how to make the most of your visit.
Maryland’s Crown Jewel – Biggest Casino
MGM National Harbor stands as the crown jewel of Maryland’s casino landscape and the clear leader in both size and revenue. It delivers the most complete gambling experience in the state, offering thousands of slot machines, an extensive lineup of table games, a high‑end poker room, and a retail sportsbook.
The property pairs its gaming strength with an upscale atmosphere that includes restaurants, lounges, and a full entertainment theater, creating a resort environment that feels a bit like Vegas. For anyone seeking the biggest selection of games and the most luxurious setting the state has to offer, MGM National Harbor is the standard.
Casino Gambling Age Requirements
Maryland keeps its gambling age rules simple and consistent across all six commercial casinos. Players must be 21 years old to participate in any activity that takes place on the casino gaming floor.
This includes slot machines, table games, poker, and retail sports betting. Because the state does not have tribal casinos with separate regulations, the age requirements are uniform statewide, making it easy for visitors to understand what is and isn’t allowed.
| Casino Activity | Minimum Age | Notes |
| Slot Machines | 21 | Applies to all casino gaming floors statewide. |
| Table Games: (blackjack, craps, roulette, baccarat, specialty games) | 21 | Must present valid ID if requested. |
| Poker Rooms | 21 | Same requirement as table games; enforced consistently. |
| Retail Sportsbooks | 21 | Includes placing wagers at in‑person sportsbooks or kiosks. |
| Horse Racing / Off‑Track Betting (OTB) | 18 | Maryland allows pari‑mutuel wagering at 18, but OTB areas inside casinos may still require 21 to enter. |
| Lottery Purchases | 18 | Includes scratch‑offs and draw games; not tied to casino access. |
| Social Gambling / Home Poker | 18 | Legal under state rules when no house rake or profit is involved. |
Casino Games At MD Local Casinos
Maryland’s local casinos offer a strong mix of slots, table games, poker, and retail sports betting, giving players a full in‑person gambling experience anchored by large gaming floors and professionally run operations. Slots and table games dominate the action, while select casinos add poker rooms and polished sportsbooks for a well‑rounded lineup.
Online casino games expand that variety even further, offering massive slot libraries, multiple table‑game variants, and live‑dealer options that aren’t always available on physical floors. The key difference is simple: In-person casinos deliver atmosphere and real‑world energy, while offshore online sites offer convenience and game volume, giving players two very different ways to enjoy casino gaming.
Online Casinos In Maryland
Maryland does not license or regulate real‑money online casinos, but many residents still play casino games through offshore platforms that operate outside state jurisdiction. Players can access thousands of online slots, multiple versions of blackjack and roulette, specialty table games, and full live‑dealer studios that stream real dealers in real time.
Online casinos also emphasize convenience. They offer 24‑hour access, quick account creation, and a wide range of payment methods, including credit cards, e‑wallets, and popular cryptocurrencies. This flexibility allows players to jump into games instantly without traveling to a casino floor or waiting for a seat at a table.
While these online platforms cannot replicate the atmosphere, amenities, or social energy of land‑based casinos, they deliver unmatched accessibility and game variety.
