Sportsbooks Legal in Maine

Overview of Sports Betting Legislation in Maine

Maine officially legalized sports betting through legislation passed in 2022, with operations beginning in November 2023. The legal framework permits both retail and online sportsbooks, but the structure is unique compared to many other states. The law grants exclusive rights for online sports betting to the state’s federally recognized tribes, while allowing in-person sportsbooks at certain licensed facilities. This arrangement aims to support tribal economic development while regulating the industry under strict guidelines.

Regulatory Authority and Licensing

The Maine Gambling Control Unit (MGCU) oversees all sports betting activities within the state. The MGCU is responsible for:

• Approving sportsbook operators.
• Enforcing compliance with responsible gambling practices.
• Ensuring the integrity of betting markets.

Under Maine’s legal model:

• Tribes can partner with established sportsbook brands to offer online betting.
• Retail licenses are available for existing commercial gambling locations such as casinos and off-track betting (OTB) facilities.
• All operators must meet rigorous licensing requirements, including financial disclosures and security audits.

Types of Legal Sports Betting

Maine’s legal sports betting market allows a variety of wagering options, including:

• Moneyline Bets: Simple wagers on which team or player will win.
• Point Spread Bets: Betting on the margin of victory.
• Over/Under (Totals): Predicting whether the combined score will be over or under a set number.
• Parlays: Multiple selections combined for a higher payout.
• Prop Bets: Wagers on specific events within a game, such as player performance statistics.
• Live Betting: In-game wagering that adjusts odds in real time.

The law covers professional sports, collegiate sports (with some restrictions), and certain international competitions. Betting on high school sports or events involving minors is strictly prohibited.

Online Sportsbooks and Tribal Partnerships

The most distinctive feature of Maine’s sports betting structure is the exclusive control of online betting rights by the state’s four federally recognized tribes:

1. The Passamaquoddy Tribe.
2. The Penobscot Nation.
3. The Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians.
4. The Mi’kmaq Nation.

These tribes may partner with major sportsbook operators to launch branded online betting platforms. This system ensures that online wagering revenue directly supports tribal communities and associated development projects.

Retail Sportsbook Locations

Retail sports betting in Maine is permitted at:

• Oxford Casino Hotel.
• Hollywood Casino Bangor.
• Licensed OTB parlors.

These locations offer in-person betting kiosks, staffed wagering counters, and large-screen viewing areas for sporting events.

Taxation and Revenue Allocation

Maine applies a tax rate of:

• 10% on gross sports betting revenue from online operators.
• 10% on gross revenue from retail sportsbooks.

Revenue distribution is designated for:

• Tribal economic development programs.
• The General Fund to support public services.
• Gambling addiction treatment and prevention programs.

Responsible Gambling Measures

The state has implemented several measures to promote responsible betting:

• Self-exclusion programs allowing individuals to voluntarily ban themselves from sportsbooks.
• Requirements for operators to display problem gambling resources.
• Restrictions on advertising aimed at minors or vulnerable populations.

Conclusion

Sports betting is fully legal and operational in Maine, with a framework designed to balance economic opportunity, responsible gambling practices, and tribal sovereignty. By granting exclusive online rights to tribes and maintaining strict regulatory oversight, Maine has established a distinctive model that both supports local communities and provides a secure environment for bettors.