Since the legalization of online sports betting in Maryland in late 2022, the state has seen a surge in wagering activity, setting multiple records and contributing tens of millions to public education. Sports betting was authorized by Maryland voters in 2020 and officially launched with mobile apps and retail sportsbooks in 2021 and 2022. Since then, the industry has quickly gained traction across the state.
In January 2025 alone, Maryland’s sports betting market generated over $8.2 million in state tax revenue, making it the fourth-best month since launch, according to official data. This follows a record-setting November 2024, when the state saw nearly $640 million in total wagers and a record $11.8 million in tax revenue. Most of this growth has been driven by mobile betting platforms, which now account for roughly 95% of all sports wagers in Maryland.
Amid this broader sports betting boom, one particular sport is gaining increasing attention from Maryland bettors: NHL hockey.
NHL’s Place in Maryland’s Betting Landscape
While the NFL and college football dominate sports betting nationally, NHL betting has carved out a loyal and growing niche in Maryland. Fueled in part by the passionate fanbase of the Washington Capitals, many Marylanders are turning to the NHL not just as fans, but as bettors looking for value and excitement during the winter months.
The fast pace of the NHL, the large number of games in a regular season, and the variety of betting markets — including moneylines, puck lines, player props, and live in-game bets — all contribute to its appeal. Local enthusiasm peaks during major events like the Stanley Cup Playoffs, but regular season action also drives substantial betting activity.
Betting interest in NHL games is increasingly visible on mobile apps like DraftKings Maryland, where users can wager on everything from team win totals to how many shots a player takes in a game.
Key Numbers: How Big Is Maryland’s Sports Betting Market?
Maryland’s betting industry is now a major economic contributor. Here’s a snapshot of the current landscape:
- Total wagers in January 2025: $618.8 million
- Mobile bets: $601.2 million
- Retail bets: $17.5 million
- Total winnings paid out: $536.7 million
- Hold (revenue before taxes and adjustments): $82.1 million
- Tax revenue generated: $8.24 million
These contributions are directed to the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future Fund, which supports state education initiatives. From July 2024 through January 2025, sports betting added $54.8 million to the fund — already nearing the total of $60 million generated in the entire previous fiscal year.
The state currently hosts 11 mobile platforms and 13 retail sportsbooks, providing wide access for bettors across Maryland. The market’s momentum shows no signs of slowing, with mobile apps like DraftKings playing a critical role in making betting more accessible and appealing to a broader audience.
Why NHL Betting Is Gaining Traction
Several factors are fueling the NHL’s rise in Maryland’s sports betting ecosystem:
Seasonal Spotlight: The NHL regular season and playoffs run during a period when football is either winding down or over. As the NFL playoffs wrap up in January, NHL betting fills the gap, offering a daily dose of competitive action that bettors crave.
High Volume of Games: With each team playing 82 games in the regular season, the NHL offers an abundance of betting opportunities — especially when compared to sports like football that have limited weekly matchups. This high volume allows bettors to stay active and experiment with different betting strategies throughout the week.
Diverse Betting Markets: The NHL is unique in its betting variety. Beyond traditional moneyline and puck line bets, platforms like DraftKings Maryland offer prop bets on shots on goal, player points, power play goals, and goalie saves. The fast-paced nature of hockey also makes live in-game betting incredibly popular.
Marquee Events: Big moments like the Winter Classic, All-Star Weekend, and the Stanley Cup Playoffs draw increased attention to NHL wagering. These events often come with boosted odds, exclusive parlays, and promotional bonuses that appeal to both seasoned bettors and newcomers.
All these factors have contributed to an environment where NHL betting is not just surviving in Maryland — it’s thriving.
DraftKings Maryland: A Leader in NHL Betting
When it comes to placing NHL bets in Maryland, DraftKings Maryland stands out as a top-tier sportsbook for both casual and serious bettors.
Why Marylanders Choose DraftKings:
- User-friendly app experience: Rated 4.8 stars in the App Store and 4.7 stars on Google Play, the DraftKings app provides a seamless experience across desktop and mobile devices.
- Comprehensive NHL markets: Users can bet on everything from first-period totals to player-specific props. DraftKings even offers same-game parlays, allowing bettors to stack multiple wagers within one game for bigger potential payouts.
- Generous promotions: New users in Maryland can unlock offers like “Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets,” which can be used across NHL matchups and other sports.
- Live betting and cash-out options: For fast-paced sports like hockey, live wagering and the ability to cash out early are game-changers.
Additionally, DraftKings’ partnership with the Timonium Racetrack underscores its commitment to local engagement. Although the retail location has yet to open, the digital presence has already made DraftKings a dominant force in the state’s mobile betting landscape.
Responsible Gambling & Education Funding
As the industry grows, so does the focus on responsible gaming. Maryland has implemented several measures to ensure betting remains safe and controlled:
- Self-exclusion and betting limits: Platforms like DraftKings allow users to set daily, weekly, or monthly betting limits. There’s also a “cool-down” option that lets users take a break from betting.
- Support resources: Maryland residents struggling with gambling can contact 1-800-GAMBLER or visit mdgamblinghelp.org for confidential support and resources.
Importantly, Maryland’s sports betting legislation ensures that a portion of tax revenue supports the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future Fund, which aims to transform public education across the state. Since legalization, sports betting has contributed more than $143 million to this fund, helping to finance teacher salaries, early childhood programs, and school infrastructure improvements.
The dual benefit of economic stimulation and educational support has helped sports betting gain broader acceptance among Marylanders — even those who don’t place bets themselves.
The Future of NHL and iGaming in Maryland
While Maryland’s current sports betting ecosystem is thriving, particularly for NHL fans, there’s potential for even more growth on the horizon — especially with the state now actively considering iGaming legislation.
In early 2025, the Maryland House Ways and Means Committee held hearings on House Bill 13 (HB 13), which would legalize online casino gaming, or iGaming. Though this bill is separate from traditional sports betting, its potential approval could further reshape the digital gaming landscape in the state.
What This Means for NHL Bettors:
- Expanded entertainment: Legal iGaming could bring a surge in new users to online betting platforms, many of whom may cross over into NHL wagering.
- More integrated experiences: If passed, operators like DraftKings — already major players in both sports betting and online casino gaming — could create immersive environments where sports betting and iGaming coexist, offering seamless transitions between betting on a Capitals game and playing blackjack or roulette.
- Increased promotional activity: As new legislation draws more competition, bettors could benefit from more aggressive promotions, loyalty programs, and NHL-specific bonuses.
However, not everyone is on board. Critics of iGaming, including some casino workers’ unions, have voiced concerns about its potential impact on brick-and-mortar casinos and jobs. Others warn of increased risks related to problem gambling. These issues were hotly debated during the committee hearing, and as of now, no vote has been taken on the legislation.
One point of contention is whether a statewide referendum would be required for legalization. While some lawmakers believe it’s necessary, others argue that because online sports betting was already approved by voters in 2020 — and because the servers for iGaming would be housed in-state — another public vote might not be needed.
If passed without a referendum, iGaming could launch as early as 2026. If it does go to a public vote, that likely pushes the timeline to late 2027.
In either case, the integration of iGaming could signal a new chapter for digital entertainment in Maryland — one that further boosts NHL betting and solidifies the state’s place as a sports betting leader on the East Coast.
