Maryland Sports Betting Sets Record June Handle in 2026

Jonathan Rodriguez

Written by: Jonathan Rodriguez

Published: Tue Jul 14, 2026, 10:00 am ET

Read Time: 3 minutes

Maryland Sports Betting Sets Record June Handle in 2026

industry

Maryland sports betting reached another milestone in June 2026 after setting a new wagering record for the month of June. The strong finish also capped a historic fiscal year for the state's regulated market. 

Growth across US online sportsbooks continued to fuel betting activity, while Maryland gambling generated substantially higher contributions for public programs.

According to the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency report, bettors placed more than $523 million in wagers during June. The market also delivered more than $132 million in state contributions throughout fiscal year 2026. 

Although June tax collections declined from the previous year, the record June betting volume highlighted the market's continued expansion.

Historic Surge Drives Record State Contributions from Maryland Sports Betting

Maryland sportsbooks accepted $6.91 billion in wagers during fiscal year 2026. That total represented an 11.1% increase from the $6.22 billion wagered during fiscal year 2025.

The market also produced $132.3 million in state contributions. That figure marked a 48.8% year-over-year increase from the $88.9 million generated in the previous fiscal year.

Most of those funds support the Blueprint for Maryland's Future Fund, which finances public education initiatives across the state. Additional revenue flows into Maryland's General Fund and the Maryland Problem Gambling Fund, helping finance government services and responsible gambling programs.

The strong annual performance reflects continued consumer demand for regulated betting options. Mobile wagering remains the primary growth driver, as bettors increasingly favor digital platforms over retail sportsbooks.

The results also demonstrate how a mature market can continue expanding despite growing competition from neighboring states. Higher wagering activity combined with policy changes also boosted overall state collections.

June 2026 Sets a New Record for the Month

Maryland sportsbooks handled $523.3 million in wagers during June 2026. That total represented a 29.6% increase from the $403.8 million wagered in June 2025.

The June handle established a new record for the month of June. However, it finished slightly below May 2026's $535.4 million, which remains the state's highest monthly handle.

Digital wagering continued to dominate the market. Online sportsbooks processed $515.4 million in bets, while retail sportsbooks accepted only $8.0 million.

Players collected $468.8 million in winnings during the month. As a result, sportsbooks finished with a 10.4% hold rate, representing the percentage of wagers retained after payouts.

Operators reported $38.2 million in taxable win, which generated $7.62 million in state contributions during June.

Despite the record June handle, June's tax collections declined 17.4% compared to June 2025. The decrease primarily reflected a lower sportsbook hold percentage. Operators retained 10.4% of wagers this June, compared with a 14.1% hold during June 2025.

The figures illustrate how tax revenue depends on sportsbook revenue rather than betting volume alone. Even when bettors wager more money, lower hold percentages can reduce taxable revenue.

Maryland Gambling Market Continues Evolving

The Maryland gambling landscape has changed significantly since lawmakers approved mobile sports betting. Digital wagering now accounts for nearly all sports betting activity, reinforcing the importance of online platforms within the regulated market.

The state also strengthened its revenue model in 2025 by increasing the tax rate on mobile sports betting operators. Lawmakers raised the mobile sportsbook tax from 15% to 20%, allowing Maryland to capture a larger share of operator revenue while maintaining a competitive regulated market.

That policy change contributed to fiscal year 2026's sharp increase in state contributions. At the same time, consistent wagering growth across US online sportsbooks provided additional momentum throughout the year.

Looking ahead, Maryland appears well positioned to sustain healthy sports betting activity. A stable regulatory framework, widespread mobile adoption, and dedicated funding for education and responsible gambling continue to support the market's long-term outlook. 

While monthly tax collections may fluctuate because of sportsbook hold rates, strong betting activity suggests bettors continue embracing the state's regulated sports wagering market.

Jonathan Rodriguez
Jonathan Rodriguez

Jonathan is an avid basketball fan, and is often looking forward to the next upcoming NBA season when not checking players' stats during games. He also likes to keep his ears on the ground for the latest rumblings in the online casino industry.

This site contains commercial content. We may be compensated for the links provided on this page. The content on this page is for informational purposes only. Betting News makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the information given or the outcome of any game or event.