How to Bet on the World Cup 2026 in Maryland – Step-by-Step Guide

Find out how to bet on the World Cup legally from Maryland. With our complete guide, you can discover the various betting options at operating MD sportsbooks. We provide the process for creating a new account, how to place bets, and how to improve strategy. The 2026 edition consists of 48 teams that will compete between June 11 and July 19. World Cup betting sites are licensed by the Maryland Lottery & Gaming Control Agency.

Maryland World Cup Betting Eligibility Requirements

To place any bets on the upcoming World Cup, there are legal requirements set forth by the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency. These are state laws.

There are two main restrictions to be aware of if you plan to place bets online:

1. Age Requirement – All bettors in Maryland must be 21+ to register for an account and place real money bets. Every Maryland sportsbook will verify your age.
2. Location Requirement – Any bets placed at Maryland betting sites must be made while physically present in the state. All residents or visitors must be in Maryland when wagering. If you use a VPN, your account may be suspended. Since the state regulates all sports betting activities, laws require you to be within the borders of the state to engage in legal betting.

Creating Your Maryland Sportsbook Account

Every sportsbook operating in Maryland will require a registration process. This is a simple task that will take approximately 15 minutes. All information gathered during this process will be stored in a secure server to ensure your protection.

Most sportsbooks follow a similar registration process:

• Visit a licensed Maryland sportsbook and click on Register or Join
• Provide a username and password
• Enter personal details, including name, address, phone number, and date of birth
• Confirm all details and click on Create Account
• You will have to verify information by completing the KYC process

We recommend opening accounts at 3 or more betting sites. This allows you to easily compare odds and find the best value when betting on the World Cup.

Required Information and Documents

The information that is required while opening an account will be used to verify your identity. All sportsbooks that hold a license in Maryland will be required by law to ensure you are 21+ and located in the state when betting. When verifying information, you will have to upload documents. These include a government-issued ID and proof of address.

During the sportsbook registration process, various pieces of information will be required. Sites licensed in the state will store all details securely to prevent account hacking and fraud. The following details must be included when creating any sportsbook account in Maryland.

• Legal name that matches a government ID
• Date of birth to verify you are over 21
• Residential address in Maryland
• Social Security Number
• Valid email address
• Mobile number for security alerts and to enable 2-factor authentication
• Government Photo ID, like a license, passport, or Maryland ID

Step-by-Step Account Registration Process

Betting on the World Cup from Maryland will require a registered account with one of the licensed sportsbooks operating. Here, we provide a complete overview of the steps needed to open an account and begin wagering.

You may encounter some issues when registering. It is essential to ensure all information has been entered accurately. This will eliminate problems like unverified addresses. Also, be sure to enter your SSN correctly. If your ID is not accepted, take another photo with better lighting.

Setting Up Two-Factor Authentication (Recommended)

To ensure the security of your newly created MD sportsbook account, enabling 2FA is suggested. This is an added layer of security that will require a password and a verification code.

Without both of these, you will not be able to access the account. The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency recommends that all accounts make use of this security feature. When enabled, you will log in using your credentials and will then receive a code through SMS. This code is required to complete the login process.

To enable the feature, follow these steps:

1. Select Two Factor Authentication and choose to get SMS codes or an authenticator app
2. Follow any prompts presented to link your number
3. You can also scan a QR code

Making Your First Deposit

To start betting on soccer World Cup events, you will have to deposit into your account. Here, we discuss the different options available for making deposits and cover the processing times. Each sportsbook in Maryland will have different minimum deposit requirements.

Available Deposit Methods in Maryland

When betting on soccer games at licensed Maryland online sportsbooks, there will be a variety of payment methods. All listed methods can be used to instantly make a deposit. Funds must be deposited before you can place any wagers.

Each online sportsbook will have different methods, but most support the most popular options. Below, we have covered the common methods used and have included deposit limits.

Method	Processing Time	Min/Max	Fees	Notes
Debit Card	Instant	$10 / $5,000	None	Visa, Mastercard, Discover
Credit Card	Instant	$10 / $2,500	None	No credit card accepted at DraftKings
PayPal	Instant	$10 / $5,000	None	PayPal account must be linked to another card or bank account
Venmo	Instant	$10 / $2,500	None	Available at select Maryland sites
Online Banking	Instant-2 hours	$10 / $5,000	None	Transfer directly from bank account
Play+ Prepaid Card	Instant	$10 / $5,000	None	Branded prepaid card available through Sportsbook
Cash at Counter	Instant	$10 / $5,000	None	At all retail locations in Maryland
Skrill/Neteller	Instant	$10/$5000	None	Available at most sites

The state of Maryland has a law that restricts monthly deposits to $5000. This has been imposed to promote responsible gambling. Each sportsbook will have a maximum deposit amount, which can vary, but it cannot exceed the state limit of $5000 within 31 days.

No matter what payment option is used to fund an account to bet on the World Cup, there will be no imposed fees charged by the betting site. As for processing times, deposits are instantly processed.

Step-by-Step Deposit Process

It takes just a few minutes to deposit funds into your Maryland sportsbook account. Here, we provide the complete process required to add money to the betting account.

1. Log in to the Account using your Username and Password
2. Access the Cashier and click on Deposit
3. Use any Bonus Code before making a deposit
4. Choose a Method from the list of options
5. Enter deposit amount
6. Provide payment details such as card numbers, account numbers, expiration dates, and CVV code
7. Review the transaction and confirm details
8. Verify that funds are in the account

Navigating to World Cup Betting Markets

When looking at how to bet on World Cup games, use the menu options at the sportsbook. Each site will have a different layout, but will all provide a complete list of sports covered. Select soccer and then navigate to World Cup.

Finding World Cup Markets in Your Sportsbook App

Once you have created an account with a selected sportsbook, you will have to learn how to navigate the site. Finding betting markets for the World Cup using a Maryland app or betting site is very simple. Most operating sportsbooks will provide three ways in which you can locate soccer markets, which we discuss below.

Once the markets have been located, you will find they are organized by:

• Outrights and Futures
• Upcoming FIFA matches
• Today’s Matches
• Playing Live
• By Round
• By Group

Understanding Market Organization and Filters

As you learn how to bet on soccer games, you will see there are many betting markets for each match. Popular betting sites will provide filters so you can easily locate specific games. When you visit your preferred betting site or Maryland app, there will be common filters in use, including:

• Popular and Features – Includes the markets that attract the most bets
• All Markets – Shows a complete list of all bets for the match
• Player Props – See player-specific wagers
• Game Prop – Bets for team totals, corners, cards, and halves
• Same Game Parlay – Use a parlay builder for the selected match

To view all details for a match, select a specific game. A page will open where you will get team stats, lineups, recent news, and information on team and player form, live match tracker, and a list of all betting markets.

Understanding World Cup Betting Odds

Part of betting on the World Cup is knowing how to read soccer odds. All odds are displayed using American odds. These use a + and – sign to indicate the game favorite and underdog. Using the listed odds, you can calculate potential returns on any bet placed on World Cup matches.

Reading American Odds Format (+/-)

American odds are the common format used at Maryland sportsbooks. With this, the +/- signs will tell you which team is the favorite to win and which is the underdog. American odds will also tell you how much you can win based on the bet amount.

If there are positive odds, the odds will show what you will win when placing a $100 bet. For example, if the USA has odds of +750, you will get a $750 profit from a $100 bet. When comparing odds, the higher the number, the less likely the team is to win.

As for negative odds, these represent the underdog. The odds show how much money must be bet to get a $100 profit. If Spain has odds of -180, you must bet $180 to win $100. The initial bet amount will be returned with the winnings.

In the event there are even odds, which will be represented by +100, neither team is favored. A $100 bet will win $100. To help you understand World Cup betting odds better and make faster decisions, this list shows magnitude:

• -110 to -150 odds – Indicates slight favorite
• -200 to -300 – Strong favorite
• -400 or  more – Heavy favorite with a likely outcome
• +100 to +200 – Minor underdog
• +300 to +600 – Strong underdog
• +1000 and over – Longshots

Calculating Payouts for Any Bet Amount

If you are betting $100, it is easy to understand the odds. However, most will not be betting a simple amount like this. To calculate payouts for your World Cup wagers, some formulas are used.

When betting on positive odds, your profit will equal the bet amount divided by 100 x odds. If you place a $50 wager on Spain with +650 odds, you would bet a $325 profit using this formula. Let’s say you lower the bet to just $20 on the USA. If the odds are +3500, the profit is determined by this formula: $20/100 x 3500, which would result in $720.

When negative odds are presented, profits will equal the bet amount divided by the negative odds times 100. So, a $50 bet on Spain at -160 would mean the profit is $50 divided by 160 x 100, or a $31.25 profit. When comparing odds, the profit will be the amount you win without including the initial stake. All of the Maryland sportsbooks will calculate payouts automatically as you place bets. While knowing these formulas will help you learn how to read World Cup odds, we suggest relying on the calculations on the bet slip.

Bet Slip: Reading Your Potential Payout

The bet slip used at a betting site is a shopping cart, and it will include all key details of the bet. This will include the bet selection, current odds, the stake amount, and potential payout.

Some sites will also show the profit without including the total return. An example of a bet slip would be:

• Selection: Argentina to Win World Cup
• Odds: +300
• Stake: $100
• To Win: $300
• Total Payout: $400

Since World Cup betting is popular, the odds are always changing. Every time bets are placed, sportsbooks will recalculate the odds. These can change, and sites will have settings to Accept Odds Changes. These include accepting all changes, accepting better odds, or declining all odds changes. No matter how odds change, the bet slip will still tell you how much you stand to win.

Basic Implied Probability (What Odds Mean)

Another way to determine the chances for a team to win is by looking at implied probability. With this, the odds will be presented as percentages. These represent the likelihood of the outcome. Understanding how this works can assist in understanding FIFA World Cup odds. Using the percentage conversion examples below can show you the chance of the outcome.

• +100/Even Odds – 50% chance
• -110 – 52.4%
• +200 – 33.3%
• -200 – 66.7%
• +500 – 16.7%
• -500 – 83.3%

If the USA has odds of -200, the team is given a 66.7% chance of winning.

Placing Your First World Cup Bet (Step-by-Step)

You can easily begin to place bets using our World Cup betting guide. Here, we discuss how to place a wager:

Placing a Three-Way Match Bet

The most common type of bet for World Cup action is the three-way. This is a Win/Draw/Win wager and is the best soccer betting for beginners option. To place this type of bet, follow these steps:

All active bets will be listed on the betslip. This may be labeled as the My Bets or Open Bets option. The information here will be automatically updated when the bet has settled. It is important to know that all Three-way bets will be settled after playing for 90 minutes. There is no extra time or added time for shootouts.

Placing a World Cup Futures Bet

When learning how to bet on the World Cup, understanding futures is suggested. These bets are placed on events that will happen in the future. For example, what teams will be group winners, or who will win the Golden Boot. Futures bets can take weeks, even months, to settle. Follow the guide below to get started betting on futures.

NB: With these bets, the odds can change at any time.

Placing a Player Prop Bet

Instead of betting on an entire World Cup match, you can wager on individual players with prop bets. If you want to place a bet on a player to score a goal, here are the steps:

If a player fails to take the field because of an injury or coaching decision, all first goalscorer bets for that player are void.

After Placing Your Bet – What Happens Next

Once bets have been placed, it is important to track them to watch for updates. Many things can happen during a game that can alter bets. Here, we look at the options for tracking your bets, whether they are pre-game or live wagers.We also provide information on how to settle bets and explain what happens once a wager is settled.

Tracking Your Active World Cup Bets

Now that you know how to bet on FIFA World Cup, you need to track any active bets. This can be done by viewing the bet slip to see bets that have been placed.

Here, you will find information including selection options, odds, bet amount, potential payout, game start time, and current status of the bet. You can also track bets during an event. With live matches, you will see score updates and any key events.

If you wish to receive notifications, you can enable push notifications within the app. This will send alerts when the match starts, when bets are settled, or when you can cash out.

How and When Bets Settle

After each event comes to an end, all World Cup bets will automatically settle. The timing of this will depend on what type of wager has been placed.

• Match Bets – Settle within 5-15 minutes after the final whistle
• Futures Bets – Settle at the end of the tournament
• Player Props – Settle at end of match
• Live Bets – Settle within minutes of the end of a match

If your bet is a winner, you will receive the stake amount and the profit. These funds can immediately be removed from the account or used to place more wagers. If your bet is a loss, the bet moves from Open to Settled, and no profit is awarded.

All bets that have been settled will appear in your Account History, which is a great way to track wagers that have been placed. Any winnings that are earned from placing cash bets can be withdrawn from the account. If you use bonus bets, there will be rollover requirements to meet before withdrawing.

Withdrawing Your World Cup Winnings

Understanding how to bet on soccer involves knowing the withdrawal process. You need to know how to safely remove any profits that have been earned. The best Maryland sportsbooks provide trusted and safe withdrawal options that allow for easy account management.

Available Withdrawal Methods in Maryland

After you have won a bet, you will be able to remove funds from an account. World Cup winnings can be removed using many of the same deposit options. Many sites require withdrawals to be conducted using the same method of deposit. However, there are options if this is not a possibility.

Method	Processing Time	Min/Max	Fees
PayPal	0-48 hours	$20 / $10,000	None
Debit Card	24 hours-2 days	$10 / $5,000	None
Online Banking	2-5 days	$20 / $50,000	None
Paper Check	7+ days	$50 / $10,000	$1-5
Cash at Counter	Instant	$10 / $10,000	None

The first withdrawal will require the completion of a KYC process to verify your identity. Not completing this process can cause delays when withdrawing. Keep in mind that any winnings from bonus funds will have wagering requirements in place.

These must be met before funds can be removed from the account. If you want the fastest withdrawals, we recommend using PayPal to manage accounts.

Step-by-Step Withdrawal Process

We want you to be able to benefit from your winnings. Here, we provide the process for withdrawing any payouts earned from betting on the World Cup.

Important World Cup Betting Rules in Maryland

As part of our guide, we want to make sure we have World Cup betting explained to the fullest. When placing wagers on the tournament from Maryland, there are specific settlement rules. These rules often confuse those new to betting.

The 90-Minute Settlement Rule

This is the most important rule to understand. With this, markets will settle once 90 minutes of play have been completed. Any extra time or shootouts will not count for most types of bets. Bets that will settle at 90 minutes include:

• Three-way bets
• Match Totals
• Asian Handicaps
• Player Props
• Team Props
• Haf Bets

Some markets will include extra time and penalties. During knockout stages, To Qualify or To Advance markets include extra time. Match Winners and some futures bets also include penalties or added time.

Let’s say the USA vs Spain match ended in a tie of 2-2 after 90 minutes. The score went to 3-3 during extra time, and USA finally won on penalty shots. The bet settlement for this situation would be as follows:

• Three-way Draw  – Win
• Three-way USA Win – Lost since the win did not occur during the 90 minutes of regular play
• USA to Advance – Win
• Over 3.5 goals – Lost. The goal in extra time does not count.

Void Bet Rules

If a bet is void, it means it has been cancelled, and the sportsbook will return the initial stake. There are certain situations where a bet may be void, and these are presented by the rules of the sportsbook. Here are some of the common situations where a voided bet may come into play.

• Player Props – The First Goalscorer is void if the player does not start the game. Anytime Goalscorer bets stand even when there is a sub. Player Shots/Cards will be void if the player does not play.
• Match Bets – If the match is postponed, bets will be void for delays of more than 24-48 hours. If the match stops due to weather, bets will be void. Bets will stand if there is a venue change unless it has been declared a neutral venue change.

When any bet is void, your stake amount will be returned to the balance. If the bet was part of a parlay, that one leg will be removed and the parlay odds will be recalculated. For example, if you have a 3-leg bet on USA -150, Spain -190, and a Madrid player prop that is voided, it becomes a 2-leg parlay with the USA and Spain bets active.

Getting Help and Support

After you understand how to bet on the World Cup, your betting experience should be a positive one. If you encounter problems while gambling, there are different support options. Every Maryland sportsbook will provide ways in which you can contact the support team with any questions or concerns. Support can be contacted through:

Some common issues you may encounter while betting on the FIFA World Cup include:

If you cannot get support or come to a resolution, you may file a complaint with the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency. Every sportsbook in the state is required to follow procedures for resolving disputes.

We also stress the importance of responsible gambling. Online sportsbooks provide resources for help with gambling problems. Some of the trusted options include 1-800-GAMBLER, which provides 24/7 support, and the National Council on Problem Gambling.

Ready to Start Betting on World Cup 2026

After reading through our guide, you should be able to safely engage in World Cup betting. We want to make sure you understand how soccer betting works. Whether you are just creating an account or have experience with Maryland sportsbooks, responsible gambling is essential. To get started, you must be 21+ and located within the state borders.

You will then open an account, make a deposit, and locate the World Cup markets. Select a bet from the list of options, choose a bet amount, and submit the wager. You are now placing your first bet on the World Cup!

As a new bettor, we suggest starting with small wagers that are around 1-2% of the total budget. You can adjust bet sizes as you become familiar with the betting process and the various World Cup markets. You can check details and team stats on the Official FIFA World Cup site and then compare odds at leading online sportsbooks.

The 2026 World Cup begins on June 11 and runs through July 19, offering many opportunities to wager and win. Every MD sportsbook will offer the same markets, though the odds and available promotions will vary.

World Cup Betting FAQ – Getting Started

What do I need to bet on the World Cup in Maryland?

To place bets on the upcoming World Cup from Maryland, you must be at least 21 years of age. You are also required to physically be in Maryland when any wager is placed. When verifying an account, you are required to provide a government-issued ID and proof of residence.

How long does account creation take?

When opening a new account, it will take about 10 to 15 minutes. The account verification process may take up to 48 hours, so we urge you to submit documents after registering to avoid delays when withdrawing.

How do I find World Cup betting markets?

Log in to your sportsbook account and select the soccer market. You will then find a tab for International. Choose this to reveal the FIFA World Cup options. You can also use the search option and enter World Cup for access to all options.

What do + and – odds mean?

World Cup betting uses American odds. You will see a + sign for the underdog and a – for the favorite. Underdog odds indicate the amount you can win on a $100 bet, while favorite odds show the amount you must wager to win $100.

Where do I enter my bet amount?

Once you have selected a team or player and have chosen the type of bet, you will enter the bet amount. This is done in the bet slip and can be changed at any time before you submit the wager.

Do World Cup bets include extra time and penalties?

When wagering on World Cup matches, bets will not include any extra time or shootout penalties. The only exception is bets on To Qualify or To Advance markets.

How do I track my active World Cup bets?

To keep track of active bets, access your My Bets or Open Bets tab. Here, all details of current bets will be displayed, including odds, bet type, and bet amount.

When do World Cup bets settle?

Any match bets placed will automatically settle within 15 minutes of the end of the game. Futures bets take longer and only settle at the end of the tournament.

How do I withdraw my winnings?

To remove winnings, access the cashier and select Withdraw. Choose an option, enter an amount, and confirm the transaction. Make sure that all wagering requirements have been met. Withdrawals can take up to 7 days based on the method selected.

What happens if a player I bet on doesn’t play?

If you have placed a First Goalscorer player prop bet and that player does not start the game, the bet will be void and your funds will be returned to the account.

Can I cash out my bet early?

Some sportsbooks will present an early cash-out option. If this is available, it will be indicated on the bet slip. With this, you can take a partial payout instead of waiting for the game to end.

What if my World Cup bet doesn’t settle?

If you have an active bet that does not settle, allow 24 hours. After this time, contact the customer support team for help with resolving the issue.

Where can I get help with betting questions?

The customer support team is available at every sportsbook to address questions or problems. We recommend live chat for the fastest response times. Be sure to check the FAQ page to see if your question has already been answered.

What if I think I have a gambling problem?

If you have a problem with gambling, free help is available. Call 1-800-GAMBLER for help or use the responsible gambling tools provided at the sportsbook. These will include deposit, bet, and loss limits, as well as exclusion options.