Maryland outlaws almost all forms of gambling. The state has gone back and forth regarding legalizing and banning different games. But, there is hope for Maryland residents, as the state has recently attempted to legalize it
You can now play some casino games in the selected casinos across Maryland. But can you play online poker? Stick around and find out, I promise we’ll get to it.
The History of Poker in Maryland
Gambling in Maryland dates back to 1743, when the Maryland Jockey Club started offering horse racing betting. However, some people didn’t support the club’s activities, which led to its halt during the Revolutionary War.
In 1791, the state of Maryland allowed lotteries, and the money from the game was used for public works. Though churches carried out these lotteries, there was rampant cheating, which led to the ban of lotteries in 1834.
In 1920, the state legalized pari-mutuel wagering, and the Maryland Racing Commission started regulating gambling. The state attempted to legalize lotteries to no success, until the 1940s when slot machines were allowed in several counties. Unfortunately, these slots machines were politically divisive, so the state had to ban them in 1968.
1972 saw the introduction of lotteries, while Maryland residents were able to attend casinos in 2008, as five opened across the state. Today, you can play slots, tables and poker in these five casinos.
The Legality of Poker in the State of Maryland
Almost all forms of gambling are unlawful in the state of Maryland. In state bill 12-102, Maryland specifies what gambling is, the devices that play a part in gambling and warn against betting or using those tools to wager.
You will, however, find several organizations running charitable wagering on horse races, but not poker games. If you want to play poker, you can find one of the state’s legalized poker rooms and join your friends at the table.
Where Can You Find Poker Rooms in Maryland?
Maryland has several casinos. The most popular casinos include Maryland Live and MGM National Harbor. They have poker rooms where you can meet with friends and play. The other poker rooms you can join include the Hollywood casino, Live!Casino&Hotel, and Horseshoe Casino. They operate every day and you can join the fun by buying chips for a few dollars before or during tournament day. Even though the state has several legal casinos, Marylanders are not expected to play poker at home.
Does Maryland Allow Online Poker Rooms?
Maryland doesn’t allow individuals to establish online poker rooms. Yet, it has no specific rules against playing internet games. Instead, the state targets websites that accept Marylanders, making many platforms exit the Maryland market. You’ll thus find few websites that accept punters from Maryland.
The state can’t track individuals who play internet games, however, which means you can’t get caught. The only disadvantage is that you’ll have a limited list from which you can choose the ideal online poker room, since only a few have the guts to continue accepting Maryland players.
3 Popular Online Poker Sites in Maryland
Maryland State doesn’t allow online poker establishments within its boundaries. You thus have to seek casinos on the internet that provide off-shore poker games. When you choose to play online poker, your information is protected thanks to the SSL technology implemented by every website. Below are online poker sites you should consider:
1. True Poker
The True Poker online platform is licensed by the Curacao government and accepts punters from Maryland. Once you register, you get a 100% deposit bonus of up to $1000. True Poker also accepts payment methods that are available to Maryland residents. These include the bitcoin, MasterCard, credit card, Neteller, and visa. Payouts take between one and four days after approval, and there are many tournaments available to win big.
2. Juicy Stakes
If you want to participate in competitive poker tournaments without leaving your state, join the Juicy Stakes poker platform. The website has partnered with top software providers to provide unique games. As you register, fill in the bonus code 1000JUICY to receive a 200% welcome bonus.
Juicy Stakes is also licensed by Curacao, which means it’s safe to play on the platform. You can deposit or withdraw money using Amex, Neteller, Skrill, Bitcoin, and MasterCard. Payout takes 1-6 days, while deposits are instant.
3. InterTops Poker
InterTops is regulated by the Curacao government as well. Your first deposit gets a 200% bonus, and other deposits will earn you different promotions. The poker interface has a broad selection of high-quality and interesting games. You’ll also find lots of tournaments to play every day. Deposits are made through Paysafecard, Neteller, bitcoin ecoPayz, and MasterCard. The method you choose for banking will determine whether you’ll receive your winnings in one day or five days, with cryptocurrencies paying out fastest.
Online poker sites continue to add features that could improve your online gaming. You’ll thus have to fish around to find a platform that works for you and matches your abilities and preferences. If you use any of the sites mentioned here, you’re safe to play and withdraw your winnings, even in Maryland.
Conclusion
Remember, the state of Maryland can be strict about online gambling. Use trusted sites, avoid using non-familiar payment methods, and start small, and you should be alright. Poker is already a stressful enough game, no need to worry about the place you’re playing it on too.