When it comes to NFL Sundays in Maryland, betting has gone from backyard pools and bar banter to legal sportsbooks and detailed prop slips. But the question still floats around like a wobbly Lamar Jackson pass into a headwind: is prop betting legal in Maryland?
Short answer: yes, and it’s thriving.
The long answer? There’s more to it than just hitting “over” on Mark Andrews receptions. From licensing and platform availability to understanding where to find value and which markets are sharp, prop betting in Maryland isn’t just legal — it’s a serious edge for those who know how to play it smart.
In this deep dive, we’ll break down everything you need to know about prop betting in the Old Line State, including:
- The legality of prop bets in Maryland
- Where to place legal bets
- Key markets and betting strategies
- Insider insights on how Maryland bettors are approaching NFL player props
- What makes a prop valuable, and how to spot it
If you’re serious about getting an edge this season, keep reading.
The Legal Landscape: Yes, Prop Betting is Legal in Maryland
Let’s clear this up right away: prop betting is 100% legal in Maryland, both online and at retail sportsbooks.
Voters approved sports betting via referendum in November 2020, and by late 2022, online sportsbooks began launching across the state. Today, Maryland residents have access to a dozen legal betting apps, and every single one offers a healthy dose of prop markets.
That includes:
- Player props: yards, touchdowns, receptions, completions
- Game props: first touchdown scorer, winning margin, team totals
- Season-long futures: MVP odds, over/under win totals, statistical leaders
The Maryland State Lottery and Gaming Control Agency oversees all operations. Each sportsbook is licensed, regulated, and audited, ensuring fair play and player protections.
Legal Sportsbooks Offering Props in Maryland
As of the 2025 season, the following sportsbooks offer legal NFL prop bets in Maryland:
- DraftKings Sportsbook
- FanDuel Sportsbook
- BetMGM
- Caesars Sportsbook
- PointsBet (Fanatics)
- BetRivers
- ESPN BET
- Barstool (rebranding to PENN Sports)
- Hard Rock Bet
- SuperBook
Each book brings its own style. DraftKings and FanDuel tend to lead in depth of player prop markets, while Caesars and BetMGM lean into promos and conservative lines. Fanatics has recently grown more aggressive with alt-line props, making it a playground for sharp bettors seeking long odds with solid logic.
How Maryland Compares to Other States on Prop Betting
Maryland stacks up favorably against neighboring states like Virginia and Pennsylvania. Here’s why:
- No major restrictions on player props (unlike states like New Jersey, which restrict bets on in-state college teams)
- Full access to mobile sportsbooks
- Retail sportsbooks at casinos and stadiums, including FedEx Field and M&T Bank Stadium
That last one is key. Betting at a Ravens game? Yes, it’s legal to place a live player prop bet from your seat using a licensed mobile app.
Bottom line: Maryland isn’t just legal — it’s player-prop-friendly.
The Most Popular NFL Prop Markets in Maryland
Maryland bettors love the NFL. It’s not just the Ravens or the Commanders, either. Thanks to mobile access, the entire league is in play every Sunday.
Here are the prop markets most commonly bet in the state:
1. Anytime Touchdown Scorer
This market exploded in 2023 and hasn’t looked back. Maryland bettors love betting on red-zone favorites like:
- Mark Andrews
- Lamar Jackson (as a rusher)
- David Montgomery
- Travis Kelce
2. Passing Yards and Completions
With Lamar’s growth as a passer and the return of play-action-heavy schemes, passing props have become more volatile — and more exploitable. Look for:
- Soft lines against zone-heavy defenses
- Undervalued No. 2 receivers when the alpha is drawing shadow coverage
3. Rushing Yards
If you’re local, you already know how bettors flock to Gus Edwards props during heavy-weather games. But sharp bettors look beyond the hometown bias. Late-season props on emerging committee backs have delivered outsized value.
Smart Prop Betting Strategies for Maryland Bettors
If you’re only betting overs and riding vibes, you’re already losing. Sharp prop bettors in Maryland are winning with strategy, research, and discipline.
Here’s how to join them.
1. Use Local Bias to Your Advantage
Maryland books shade lines for Lamar, Andrews, and other popular names. Fade the public where the line has moved artificially. If you see Lamar’s rushing line jump 6 yards on Sunday morning, there’s value in the under.
2. Track Line Movement
Line movement is a goldmine. Use tools like:
- Props.Cash
- Betstamp
- FantasyLabs Prop Tool
- OddsJam
If a player’s receiving line opened at 48.5 and is now 54.5, ask yourself why. Is it injury news? Weather? Betting steam? There’s usually a story behind the shift.
3. Cross-Reference Fantasy Projections
DFS projections are built on high-volume simulations. Use trusted sources like:
- The 33rd Team’s weekly player forecasts
- FTN’s player prop tool
- Establish The Run’s prop betting package
These tools offer percentile ranges, not just median outcomes. Betting the over on a guy with a 70% range of 43–65 yards when the line is 41.5? That’s smart money.
What Makes a Prop Bet Valuable?
It’s not just about picking the right player. It’s about identifying value — and that means spotting inefficiencies in the line.
Here’s what sharp Maryland bettors look for:
Player Usage
Volume drives props. Is a wide receiver getting 25% target share but only 4.5 receptions on the board? That’s a green flag.
Game Script
Is the team a heavy underdog? Expect pass-heavy volume in the second half. That might mean overs for the WR2, not the WR1 who draws top coverage.
Weather and Field Conditions
Maryland bettors know that late-season wind at FedEx can neuter passing games. Watch weather reports, especially for totals under 40. In bad weather games, unders hit at a higher rate, especially on long-yardage props.
Defensive Schemes
Some defenses funnel targets to specific zones. Zone-heavy teams allow more underneath targets, which helps RB reception props. Man-heavy teams can elevate WR1s in single coverage.
Example: When Baltimore plays Cleveland (zone-heavy), expect short passing props to pop, especially for TEs and backs.
Tips from Sharp Maryland Bettors
We spoke with several prop bettors in the Baltimore area, and here are their keys to success.
Don’t Bet Every Game
“Just because it’s Sunday doesn’t mean every game is worth betting,” says Nate T., a prop bettor who’s turned profit in each of the last two seasons. “I only target games with mismatches I can model — like weak LB coverage against elite pass-catching backs.”
Look at Books Offering Alt Lines
Books like FanDuel and Fanatics (formerly PointsBet) offer alt receiving and rushing lines. If you believe a breakout is coming, the upside payout is worth the variance.
For example:
- Standard line: Zay Flowers over 48.5 yards (-110)
- Alt line: Zay Flowers 70+ yards (+190)
If your projection is 75 yards with a high ceiling, the alt line offers real value.
Shop the Market
“DraftKings and BetMGM might offer wildly different lines for the same prop,” says Angela R., a Maryland bettor who specializes in WR unders. “I always check three books minimum before locking in.”
Where to Bet NFL Props in Maryland (Safely and Legally)
Let’s break it down by platform, based on real betting features.
DraftKings Sportsbook
- Best For: Volume bettors and fantasy crossovers
- Features: Same Game Parlays, quick-swap player props
- App Grade: A
FanDuel Sportsbook
- Best For: Alt-line lovers and early-week prop hunters
- Features: Deep market variety, clean UI, good promos
- App Grade: A+
BetMGM
- Best For: Casual bettors and conservative lines
- Features: Safe lines, strong retail presence
- App Grade: B+
Fanatics (PointsBet)
- Best For: Aggressive props and value seekers
- Features: Custom prop builder, live betting speed
- App Grade: B
Responsible Prop Betting in Maryland
Even if the bets feel like fun, treat your prop wagers like an investment. Here are five things smart Maryland bettors do:
- Set unit sizes and stick to them
- Track every bet in an app or spreadsheet
- Don’t chase losses by betting late-game overs
- Ignore tipster hype without data
- Take weeks off if you’re not seeing the board clearly
And remember, Maryland sportsbooks offer tools for setting limits and cooling off. Use them.
Final Thoughts: Maryland Is Built for Smart Prop Bettors
So, is prop betting legal in Maryland? Absolutely. But the better question is: are you using that legality to your advantage?
With access to top-tier sportsbooks, deep prop markets, and a sports-obsessed fanbase, Maryland has quickly become one of the best places in America to bet props — if you do it right.
That means understanding game script. That means watching line movement. That means betting with your head, not your heart.
If you’re ready to take the next step, start tracking your bets, find the right tools, and treat Sundays like a puzzle to solve, not a coin toss to sweat.
The edge is out there. Maryland bettors are already finding it.
Now it’s your turn.