Are Skill-Game Apps Legal in Maryland?
This page covers skill-game apps you play on your phone in Maryland. Skill machines in Maryland bars, gas stations and convenience stores are a separate question this page doesn't cover.
Yes, cash play is on in Maryland. Skillz, operated by Firy Inc. (NYSE: FIRY), runs our cash matches and has not switched it off there. 11 of our 12 games offer cash matches in Maryland; Carrom has none anywhere yet. Next door, Delaware is on that no-cash list, so cash matches stop when you cross into it. Maryland taxes personal income, so prizes may also go on your state return.
That status is Skillz's platform decision for Maryland, not a court ruling, and states use different skill-versus-chance tests.
Which Atay games offer cash play in Maryland
| Game | Cash play in Maryland | US App Store listing, checked Sep 24, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Solitaire Real Cash | Available | Lists 7 states, not Maryland |
| Gin Rummy Cash | Available | Lists 7 states, not Maryland |
| Ball Pool Cash | Available | Lists 11 states, not Maryland |
| Sugar Cash | Available | Lists 5 states, not Maryland |
| Word Money | Available | Lists 5 states, not Maryland |
| Bingo Prizes | Available | No state list printed; Skillz allows Maryland |
| Block Puzzle | Available | No state list printed; Skillz allows Maryland |
| Bubble Prizes | Available | No state list printed; Skillz allows Maryland |
| Crossword Cash | Available | No state list printed; Skillz allows Maryland |
| Pachinko Cash | Available | No state list printed; Skillz allows Maryland |
| Word Search Cash | Available | No state list printed; Skillz allows Maryland |
| Carrom | Free play only | Cash not yet enabled (open beta) |
Play in Maryland
Every game plays free first, so Maryland players can learn one before any entry fee.
Browse the gamesHow prizes are taxed in Maryland
Maryland taxes personal income, so prizes may go on your Maryland return. The Comptroller of Maryland decides how Maryland treats them. Federally, prizes are taxable income for Maryland players with or without a tax form; see 1099s and Skillz winnings under $2,000.
Cash play in states bordering Maryland
Crossing from Maryland into Delaware switches cash matches off.
Questions about skill-game apps in Maryland
Can I play Atay games for cash in Maryland?
Yes, 11 of our 12 games offer cash matches in Maryland. Carrom has no cash play yet.
Does it matter where in Maryland I am?
No. Skillz sets eligibility by state from your phone's location, so Baltimore and Annapolis get the same answer.
What happens if I cross from Maryland into Delaware?
Cash matches switch off once your phone is in Delaware. Free play keeps working, and cash play returns when you are back in Maryland.
Does Maryland tax prizes from skill-game apps?
It can. Prizes are income, and Maryland has a state income tax; check the Comptroller of Maryland's guidance for your situation.
Maryland status per the Skillz help center (eligibility, cash-disabled areas, skill-game legality) and US App Store listings. General information, not legal advice; Skillz can change cash availability.