Maryland Online Poker:Legal Status, Sweepstakes Options & What’s Next

Maryland has legal online sports betting and a substantial land-based casino industry, but the state does not currently have regulated real-money online poker.

No poker sites are licensed to offer traditional real-money online poker to players in Maryland. PokerStars, WSOP Online, BetMGM Poker, and other regulated US poker networks do not currently operate in the state.

Maryland players do have alternatives. Sweepstakes poker platforms including Clubs Poker, ClubWPT Gold, and Global Poker currently make poker games available to eligible players in the state, while free-play poker is also widely accessible. These options operate differently from state-regulated real-money poker and are not licensed as Maryland online poker rooms.

The possibility of regulated poker received renewed attention in 2026. Lawmakers introduced a bill specifically addressing internet poker, along with broader internet gaming legislation and a proposed constitutional referendum. None of those proposals created a regulated market, but they provide a clearer potential path for future legalization.

This guide explains the current legal status of Maryland online poker, which alternatives are available, the latest legislation, live poker options, and what would need to happen before regulated online poker could launch.

Maryland Online Poker Quick Facts

Is Online Poker Legal in Maryland?

Maryland does not currently have a regulated real-money online poker market.

No operator is licensed by the state to offer peer-to-peer online poker where players wager real money in cash games or tournaments.

Maryland does regulate other forms of gambling. The state has land-based casinos, retail and mobile sports betting, lottery games, horse racing, and other authorized gaming activities.

Online casino gaming and online poker have not been added to the state’s regulated market.

That means Maryland players cannot currently access state-regulated versions of major US poker networks such as PokerStars exclusively on FanDuel, WSOP Online, BetMGM Poker, BetRivers Poker, or DraftKings Electric Poker while physically located in Maryland.

The situation should not be confused with the availability of sweepstakes poker. Some sweepstakes operators currently accept Maryland players, but they do not operate as Maryland-licensed real-money poker rooms.

How Maryland Players Play Online Poker Today

Without regulated real-money online poker, Maryland players encounter several different types of online poker.

Sweepstakes poker uses promotional currencies and prize-redemption systems rather than operating as state-regulated real-money poker.

Free-play poker uses nonredeemable play-money chips and is primarily intended for entertainment and practice.

Some offshore poker sites also accept Maryland players. These sites are not licensed by Maryland gambling regulators and operate outside the regulated US online poker system.

Sweepstakes Poker in Maryland

Sweepstakes poker provides Maryland players with an alternative to regulated real-money online poker, but the two models are fundamentally different.

Most modern sweepstakes poker sites use two types of virtual currency.

Gold Coins or a similarly named currency are generally used for social poker and have no cash-redemption value.

A second promotional currency — often called Sweeps Coins — can be used in eligible games where prizes may be redeemable after applicable requirements are satisfied.

Sweepstakes operators also provide methods for eligible players to participate without making a purchase.

These platforms are not licensed by Maryland as real-money online poker operators. Their availability in the state should not be interpreted as Maryland approval or as a definitive determination of the legal status of any particular platform.

Players should review each site’s current eligibility rules, terms, redemption requirements, and restrictions before participating because availability can change.

Clubs Poker

Clubs Poker is a poker-focused sweepstakes platform currently available to eligible Maryland players.

The site uses Gold Coins for social play and Sweeps Coins for sweepstakes games offering eligible redeemable prizes.

Clubs Poker stands out for offering a broad selection of poker variants and features. Depending on the current game schedule, players can find No-Limit Hold’em, Pot-Limit Omaha, mixed games, and stud variants.

The platform also supports poker features such as bomb pots and straddles.

Maryland is not currently listed among Clubs Poker’s restricted states. However, Clubs Poker is not licensed by Maryland as a real-money online poker operator.

Read our full review of Clubs Poker »

ClubWPT Gold

ClubWPT Gold is a sweepstakes poker platform associated with the World Poker Tour brand.

It uses a promotional sweepstakes model that allows eligible players to participate in poker games using virtual currencies, with qualifying prizes available for redemption under the site’s rules.

Maryland is not currently among the states excluded from ClubWPT Gold’s core poker platform.

However, not every ClubWPT Gold product is available in Maryland. The platform currently lists Maryland among the jurisdictions where certain Mini Games are unavailable.

That distinction illustrates why players should check current state-specific restrictions even when a poker platform itself is accessible.

ClubWPT Gold is not licensed as a Maryland real-money online poker room.

Global Poker

Global Poker is one of the longest-running sweepstakes poker platforms serving US players.

It uses Gold Coins for social games and Sweeps Coins for sweepstakes play, with eligible Sweeps Coin prizes available for redemption under the platform’s rules.

Global Poker offers cash-game-style ring games, tournaments, and larger tournament series.

Maryland is not currently among Global Poker’s fully restricted states or states limited to Gold Coin play.

As with other sweepstakes platforms, availability does not mean Global Poker has been licensed or approved by Maryland as a real-money online poker operator.

Read our full review of Global Poker »

Is Stake US Poker Available in Maryland?

No. Stake US Poker currently lists Maryland as a restricted state.

Maryland players therefore should not expect to be able to use Stake.us for sweepstakes poker.

State availability can change over time, making it important to check an operator’s current eligibility rules rather than relying on older lists of sweepstakes poker sites.

Maryland Online Poker Legislation

Maryland lawmakers considered several proposals related to online poker and internet gaming during the 2026 legislative session.

One bill specifically addressed online poker, while others proposed broader internet gaming legalization, a constitutional referendum, and stronger enforcement against unauthorized online gambling.

None created a regulated Maryland online poker market.

SB 884: Internet Poker Authorization and Regulation Act of 2026

SB 884 was the 2026 proposal most directly focused on online poker.

Sen. Ron Watson introduced the Internet Poker Authorization and Regulation Act of 2026.

The legislation proposed creating a framework for regulated internet poker in Maryland rather than legalizing online casino gaming as a whole.

SB 884 did not become law. The bill was withdrawn by its sponsor during the 2026 legislative session.

Its introduction was nevertheless significant because it demonstrated that Maryland lawmakers were considering online poker as a distinct regulated gambling product rather than only as part of a broader online casino proposal.

SB 885: Internet Gaming and Online Bingo

Sen. Watson also introduced SB 885, titled Internet Gaming and Online Bingo — Authorization and Implementation.

The proposal took a broader approach than SB 884 and addressed internet gaming beyond poker.

SB 885 received a hearing in the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee on March 11, 2026 but did not become law.

The proposal was part of a wider debate over whether Maryland should expand its regulated gambling market beyond online sports betting.

HB 1255 and SB 761: Internet Gaming Referendum

HB 1255 proposed a constitutional amendment concerning internet gaming.

The legislation would have asked Maryland voters whether the General Assembly should be authorized to allow the State Lottery and Gaming Control Commission to issue licenses for internet gaming.

HB 1255 received a hearing in the House Ways and Means Committee on March 5, 2026 but did not advance into law.

SB 761 was the Senate cross-file and was withdrawn.

The referendum proposal is important because it illustrates one potential legislative path Maryland could use to authorize broader internet gaming.

Future online poker legislation would still depend on the specific structure lawmakers choose, so the introduction of HB 1255 should not be interpreted to mean every possible online poker proposal would necessarily follow exactly the same process.

HB 1226 and SB 652: Illegal Online Gambling Enforcement Act

Maryland lawmakers also considered legislation targeting unauthorized online gambling.

HB 1226 and SB 652 proposed the Maryland Illegal Online Gambling Enforcement Act.

The legislation addressed illegal online gambling and included casino-style games such as poker within its scope. Among other provisions, the proposal would establish enforcement mechanisms including cease-and-desist orders.

The legislation is relevant to the sweepstakes and offshore gambling debate because it demonstrates continuing legislative attention to online gaming offered outside Maryland’s regulated gambling system.

It does not, by itself, establish that every sweepstakes poker platform currently available to Maryland players is illegal.

Will Maryland Legalize Online Poker?

There is currently no approved legislation establishing regulated real-money online poker in Maryland.

However, the 2026 legislative session demonstrated more concrete interest in the issue than previous language describing online poker legalization as merely a future possibility would suggest.

SB 884 specifically proposed an Internet Poker Authorization and Regulation Act, while SB 885 addressed broader internet gaming. Lawmakers also considered a proposed internet gaming referendum through HB 1255 and SB 761.

None of those proposals became law.

Any future regulated poker market would require Maryland lawmakers to establish the necessary legal authority and determine the appropriate legislative or constitutional process.

A regulatory framework would then need to address issues including:

• Operator eligibility and licensing
• Regulatory oversight
• Player age and identity verification
• Geolocation
• Responsible gambling requirements
• Taxation
• Game integrity and technical standards
• Player fund protection
• Interstate shared liquidity

Maryland would also need to decide whether an online poker market would operate only with players located inside the state or whether operators could eventually connect Maryland to interstate poker networks.

There is currently no announced launch date for regulated Maryland online poker.

Live Poker in Maryland

Maryland does not have regulated online poker, but legal live poker is available at licensed casinos in the state.

Two of the state’s largest casinos operate substantial poker rooms.

• Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland — The casino in Hanover operates a large poker room offering cash games and tournaments, including No-Limit Hold’em and Pot-Limit Omaha.
• MGM National Harbor — The casino in Oxon Hill operates a poker room offering cash games and tournament poker near Washington, DC.

Game selection, stakes, tournament schedules, and poker-room hours can change, so players should check directly with the casino before visiting.

Maryland casino poker is regulated separately from online poker. The existence of legal poker rooms at land-based casinos does not authorize those casinos or poker operators to offer peer-to-peer poker over the internet.

Free-Play Poker in Maryland

Free-play poker is widely available to Maryland players through social poker websites and mobile apps.

These platforms use play-money chips with no cash-redemption value and do not offer the same experience as regulated real-money or sweepstakes poker.

Free-play games can be useful for learning hand rankings, betting order, table positions, tournament mechanics, and online poker software without risking money.

Because there is no money or redeemable prize at stake, player behavior can differ significantly from real-money or prize-based games.

Free-play poker is therefore best viewed as casual entertainment or a way to learn poker mechanics rather than a substitute for regulated real-money poker.

Could Maryland Join Multi-State Online Poker?

Interstate shared liquidity would be an important issue if Maryland eventually legalizes online poker.

The Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA) provides a regulatory framework that allows approved online poker operators to combine players across participating states.

There are currently six MSIGA member states:

• Delaware
• Michigan
• Nevada
• New Jersey
• Pennsylvania
• West Virginia

Maryland is not a member.

Shared liquidity is particularly important for online poker because larger player pools can support more cash games, a wider selection of stakes, and larger tournament fields.

Legalizing online poker would not automatically make Maryland an MSIGA member.

Maryland would need the necessary legal authority to participate in interstate gaming and would have to take additional steps to join the compact. Individual poker operators would also need the appropriate approvals in participating jurisdictions before combining their players.

Until Maryland legalizes online poker and addresses interstate liquidity, players in the state cannot participate in the regulated multi-state poker networks available in existing MSIGA jurisdictions.

Maryland Online Poker Frequently Asked Questions

Is online poker legal in Maryland?

Maryland does not currently have regulated real-money online poker.

No poker operator is licensed by the state to offer peer-to-peer real-money online poker to Maryland players.

What online poker sites are legal in Maryland?

Maryland currently has no state-licensed real-money online poker sites.

Some sweepstakes poker platforms, including Clubs Poker, ClubWPT Gold, and Global Poker, currently accept eligible Maryland players, but these platforms are not licensed as Maryland real-money poker operators.

Are sweepstakes poker sites available in Maryland?

Yes, some sweepstakes poker platforms currently make their products available to eligible Maryland players.

Clubs Poker, ClubWPT Gold, and Global Poker currently include Maryland within their available jurisdictions.

Availability does not mean Maryland has licensed, approved, or made a definitive legal determination concerning a particular sweepstakes poker platform.

Is Stake US Poker available in Maryland?

No.

Stake.us currently lists Maryland as a restricted state.

Does Maryland have an online poker bill?

Maryland lawmakers introduced legislation specifically addressing online poker in 2026.

SB 884, the Internet Poker Authorization and Regulation Act of 2026, was introduced by Sen. Ron Watson but was subsequently withdrawn.

The bill did not legalize online poker.

Will Maryland voters have to approve online poker?

Maryland lawmakers have considered using a voter referendum as part of the process for expanding internet gaming.

HB 1255 in 2026 proposed a constitutional amendment that would have asked voters whether the General Assembly should be authorized to allow internet gaming licenses.

That proposal did not advance.

The exact process required for future online poker legalization would depend on how future legislation is structured.

Can I play PokerStars in Maryland?

PokerStars does not currently operate regulated real-money online poker in Maryland.

Its regulated US poker platform is available in other jurisdictions, but Maryland has not authorized it for real-money poker.

Can I play WSOP Online in Maryland?

No regulated WSOP Online poker room currently operates in Maryland.

WSOP Online operates in other regulated US jurisdictions but has not launched a Maryland real-money poker platform.

Can I play BetMGM Poker in Maryland?

BetMGM Poker does not currently operate regulated real-money online poker in Maryland.

Maryland would first need to authorize a regulated online poker market before state-licensed operators could launch.

Is online casino gaming legal in Maryland?

No.

Maryland has regulated online sports betting, but it has not authorized a statewide real-money online casino market.

Internet gaming legislation was considered again during the 2026 legislative session but did not become law.

Can I play live poker in Maryland?

Yes.

Maryland has regulated live casino poker.

Current poker options include Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland and MGM National Harbor.

Live casino poker is regulated separately from online poker.

Is Maryland part of MSIGA?

No.

Maryland is not currently a member of the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement.

The current member states are Delaware, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.

Could Maryland share online poker players with other states in the future?

Potentially, but Maryland would first need to legalize online poker and establish the legal authority necessary for interstate gaming.

The state could then consider joining MSIGA or another permissible interstate arrangement.

Legalization alone would not automatically connect Maryland players with existing multi-state poker networks.

Are offshore poker sites regulated in Maryland?

No.

Offshore poker sites that accept Maryland players are not licensed or regulated by Maryland gambling authorities.

Players using those sites do not receive the state regulatory protections that would apply to a licensed Maryland online poker market.