MD Sports Betting: Sept Handle $652M, Revenue Down 20%

Jonathan Rodriguez

Written by: Jonathan Rodriguez

Published: Fri Oct 23, 2026, 9:00 am ET

Read Time: 4 minutes

MD Sports Betting: Sept Handle $652M, Revenue Down 20%

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Maryland's sports betting handle approached $5 billion during the first nine months of 2026, although sportsbook revenue declined sharply in September. The latest figures show that wagering activity remained substantial, but operators generated less revenue relative to the amount wagered.

Maryland sportsbooks accepted approximately $4.98 billion in wagers from January through September, marking a 9% increase from the same period in 2025. However, September's handle barely changed year over year, while reported sportsbook revenue fell 20%. 

The contrasting figures highlight the difference between betting activity and operator earnings in Maryland gambling.

Maryland Sports Betting September Handle Reaches $652.2 Million

Maryland sportsbooks recorded $652.2 million in wagers during September, according to the latest monthly figures. That represented a 0.2% increase compared with September 2025, indicating relatively flat wagering growth despite the start of the NFL regular season.

Nevertheless, September recorded the market's third-largest monthly handle to date. The result suggests that bettors continued wagering substantial amounts even as year-over-year growth slowed.

The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency (MLGCA) publishes monthly sports wagering reports tracking handle, prizes paid, sportsbook revenue, taxable proceeds, and state tax contributions. 

These reports provide the official figures needed to assess the market's performance and compare results across reporting periods.

September's figures also require some calendar context. The month had one fewer week of NFL regular-season action than September 2025, according to industry analysis. 

That difference complicates direct comparisons, although it does not fully explain the revenue decline.

September Revenue Falls 20%

Despite the relatively stable handle, Maryland sportsbooks generated approximately $58.45 million in reported September revenue, down 20% year over year. However, this figure should not be confused with the state's taxable proceeds.

The official reporting figures put September taxable proceeds at approximately $45.92 million, following $593.7 million in prizes paid against the $652.2 million handle. Taxable proceeds reflect the amount used for taxation after applicable deductions, so they differ from broader gross revenue measures.

The distinction matters when evaluating US online sportsbooks, where handle alone does not measure operator earnings or determine tax liabilities. Gross gaming revenue (GGR) generally refers to wagers minus winnings paid, while taxable proceeds can reflect additional adjustments under state rules.

Therefore, reports should identify the specific revenue measure they use rather than treating GGR and taxable proceeds as interchangeable. The distinction provides a clearer view of sportsbook performance and the amount subject to state taxation.

Mobile Betting Continues to Dominate

Mobile platforms accounted for nearly all Maryland sports betting activity in September. Online sportsbooks recorded approximately $641.15 million in handle, compared with $11.05 million at retail locations.

Mobile wagering therefore represented roughly 98.3% of the state's total September handle. This gap underscores the importance of digital platforms to Maryland's regulated sports betting market.

The dominance of mobile wagering also makes online operator performance central to the state's overall results. Changes in mobile betting volume and sportsbook hold can influence monthly totals far more than retail activity.

Maryland Collects $9.1 Million in Sports Betting Taxes

Maryland collected approximately $9.1 million in sports wagering taxes during September, according to the official state report. Despite the revenue decline, regulated betting continued to generate public funds.

Maryland directs sports betting tax contributions toward public priorities, including the Blueprint for Maryland's Future Fund and the General Fund. 

Mobile and retail operators face different tax arrangements, so taxable proceeds and actual state contributions should remain distinct measures.

The MLGCA's monthly reports allow readers to track these figures alongside handle and prizes paid. They also help explain why changes in sportsbook earnings can affect public receipts even when wagering volume remains high.

Year-to-Date Growth Provides a Broader Picture

Maryland's September results reveal a mixed picture for the state's sports betting industry. The nearly $5 billion year-to-date handle was up 9% from 2025, yet September delivered almost no handle growth and significantly lower reported revenue.

The coming monthly reports will show whether wagering activity accelerates again as the NFL season progresses. For now, Maryland's results demonstrate that strong betting volume does not guarantee consistent sportsbook revenue or tax contributions.

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.

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