Maryland’s sports betting market cooled in June 2025, with $403.8 million in total wagers placed across the state. That was a sharp drop from earlier months when the handle consistently cleared $500 million.
Despite the decline, it was sportsbooks, not bettors, who came out ahead. Operators posted $346.7 million in revenue, powered by a 14.1% hold rate, the highest of the year so far. State tax collections also hit a new 2025 peak at $9.2 million.
The drop in wagers is typical of the summer slowdown. By June, both the NBA and NHL seasons had concluded, leaving baseball, golf, and futures betting to carry the market. Baseball tends to draw smaller bet sizes and fewer casual bettors, especially compared to the surge of March Madness or playoff runs.
The result: June handle fell nearly 20% from May and more than 35% from January’s high point.
Why Was the Hold Rate So High?
Even with less money wagered, sportsbooks managed to retain a larger share of it. June’s 14.1% hold rate shows just how much outcomes and bet types shape revenue:
Baseball volatility often works in favor of the house.
Parlay betting remains popular, and parlays carry higher margins than straight bets.
NFL and college football futures saw early action, which locks in wagers for months while padding short-term operator win rates.
When Do Bettors Win More?
Hold rates also reveal the times of year when bettors tend to come out ahead.
In March 2025, the hold fell to 8.1%, the lowest of the year. March Madness produced underdog wins and bettor-friendly outcomes that trimmed operator margins.
By April, the rate rebounded to 11.5%, flipping the advantage back to sportsbooks.
In June, at 14.1%, bettors had their toughest month yet.
The trend is clear: major sports events like March Madness and NFL playoffs tend to deliver lower hold rates and better bettor outcomes, while summer baseball-heavy months usually swing the edge back to operators.
The Bigger Picture
Maryland's June results highlight how handle alone doesn’t tell the whole story. Bettors wagered less, but the sportsbooks’ win rate ensured revenue soared and state taxes hit new highs.
The lesson for bettors is just as important: outcomes and timing matter. Some months, like March, tilt toward the players, while others, like June, favor the house. With football season on the horizon, Maryland's betting market is poised for another dramatic swing in activity.
<p><strong>Sol Fayerman-Hansen</strong> is Editor-in-Chief at RG.org with 20+ years of experience in sports journalism, gambling regulation, and tech. His work has appeared in <i>Forbes</i>, <i>ESPN</i>, and <i>NFL.com</i>, covering U.S. and Canadian gambling laws, major sports events, and wagering trends. Since 2023, Sol has led RG.org’s global editorial efforts, focusing on transparency, data accuracy, and regulatory insight. He works closely with researchers and legal experts to uphold E-E-A-T and Trust Project standards.</p><p>📍 Israel/Canada 🌐 English, Hebrew 🎯 Gambling law, responsible gaming, tech in betting</p>
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