Bingo in Maryland: Laws, Halls & Online Bingo (2026 Guide)

Is bingo legal in Maryland?

Yes, but Maryland does not have one statewide bingo law. Instead, Title 13 of the Maryland Criminal Law article holds a separate set of gaming rules for each county, and those local rules decide who may run bingo, how often and for what prizes.

Most bingo in the state is run by charities: volunteer fire companies, churches, veterans posts and civic clubs. A few counties, especially Anne Arundel, also have commercial bingo halls run by private businesses. Those are a closed club. Under Criminal Law §13-101, no county may issue a commercial bingo license to anyone who did not already hold one on or before June 30, 2008.

Maryland has no federally recognized tribes, so there is no tribal casino bingo here. The state’s six casinos are commercial and regulated by the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency (MLGCA).

How old do you have to be to play bingo in Maryland?

It depends on the county and the venue. Because each county writes its own bingo rules, there is no single state bingo age.

In practice, expect to be at least 18 at most charity games. Some commercial halls set the bar higher: Bingo World near Baltimore, which also has a sportsbook and gaming machines, admits guests 21 and over only. Maryland’s casinos are 21+. When in doubt, call the hall.

Can you play online bingo for real money in Maryland?

No. Maryland allows online sports betting and fantasy contests, but it has not legalized online casino games, and real-money online bingo is not authorized.

Lawmakers have debated online casino bills, but none has passed. For an overview of the legal options that do exist, see our online bingo guide. If gambling is causing problems for you or someone you love, call or text 1-800-GAMBLER.

Are sweepstakes bingo sites legal in Maryland?

Maryland sits in a gray zone that leans toward “no.” There is no statute that bans sweepstakes casinos by name, but the state’s gaming regulator considers them illegal gambling.

In January 2025 the MLGCA sent cease-and-desist letters to 11 unlicensed online operators, five of them sweepstakes casinos. In March 2025 it ordered VGW (Chumba Casino, LuckyLand Slots) and High 5 Casino’s operator to stop serving Maryland, and in November 2025 it sent VGW a second letter after the company kept operating. The agency’s position is that these games contain the three elements of gambling: consideration, chance and prize.

The Legislature tried to settle the question in 2026. Two ban bills, HB 295 and HB 1226, passed the House by wide margins but never left the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee before the session ended April 13, 2026. Expect another attempt in 2027. Our sweepstakes bingo explainer covers how these sites work and the risks for players.

Where can you play bingo in Maryland?

Fire hall bingo is a Maryland tradition, and nearly every county has volunteer fire companies, churches and Elks or Moose lodges with weekly games. The commercial hall we verified is listed below.

Bingo World on Belle Grove Road runs midday and evening sessions most days of the week, plus late-night games on some weekends. For smaller charity games, local newspapers and fire company websites are the best way to find current schedules.

How to run a charity bingo game in Maryland

You apply to your county, not the state. The exact steps vary, but most counties follow a similar pattern:

1. Find your county’s section of Criminal Law Title 13, or call the county licensing office, police department or clerk that handles gaming permits.
2. Confirm your group qualifies. Counties typically limit bingo to bona fide nonprofits such as religious, fraternal, veterans and volunteer fire organizations.
3. Apply and pay the local fee, often for an annual license or a one-day permit.
4. Follow local caps on prize values, number of sessions and who may work the game (usually unpaid members).
5. File any required reports showing how proceeds were used.

Our bingo fundraiser guide walks through prizes, pricing and volunteers. If your group straddles the state line, compare the rules in Delaware.