Sports Betting in Maine: Legal Status, Platforms, and Opportunities

Legalization of Sports Betting in Maine

Maine officially legalized sports betting in May 2022 when Governor Janet Mills signed LD 585 into law. This legislation authorized both retail and online sports betting, marking a major milestone for the Pine Tree State. However, while the law was passed in 2022, the full implementation and launch of sports betting did not occur immediately due to regulatory preparations. The Maine Gambling Control Unit (MGCU) was tasked with developing and enforcing the regulatory framework, and actual sports betting operations commenced in November 2023.

Who Can Operate Sportsbooks in Maine?

The legislation gave exclusive rights to Maine’s federally recognized tribes to partner with online sportsbook operators. There are four tribes in Maine eligible for this partnership: the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, the Penobscot Nation, the Mi’kmaq Nation, and the Passamaquoddy Tribe. These tribes may each partner with one online sportsbook, resulting in a maximum of four legal online operators in the state.

Retail sportsbooks, on the other hand, are permitted at licensed off-track betting facilities and commercial racetracks. This provides an additional channel for in-person sports wagering.

Who Can Bet on Sports in Maine?

To place a legal sports wager in Maine, individuals must meet the following criteria:

Be at least 21 years old.
Be physically located within the state’s borders at the time of placing the bet (for online betting).
Not be on any self-exclusion or exclusion lists managed by the MGCU.

Types of Legal Sports Bets

Maine allows a wide variety of betting options, including:

Moneyline bets
Point spreads
Totals (Over/Under)
Parlays
Teasers
Futures
Live/in-play betting

However, betting on Maine college teams is restricted when they are playing within the state, unless they are participating in a tournament. This limitation is similar to policies in other states to protect amateur athletes from undue influence.

Taxation and Revenue Allocation

The tax rate for online sports betting in Maine is set at 10% of adjusted gross sports wagering receipts. Retail sports betting is taxed at a rate of 10% as well. A portion of the tax revenue supports the General Fund, while other allocations go to gambling addiction prevention and recovery programs, as well as tribal governments.

Available Sportsbook Platforms

As of the latest developments, the major sportsbook operators entering Maine through tribal partnerships include:

Caesars Sportsbook (in partnership with the Penobscot Nation)
DraftKings and FanDuel are among those anticipated to join via other tribal agreements

The MGCU reviews and approves all operator license applications to ensure compliance with state regulations.

Responsible Gambling Measures

Maine emphasizes responsible gambling through various initiatives:

Self-exclusion programs
Problem gambling helplines
Mandated operator contributions to addiction treatment programs
Strict advertising regulations to avoid targeting minors or vulnerable populations

The Future of Sports Betting in Maine

The launch of sports betting in Maine presents a new frontier for both the local economy and sports enthusiasts. With the tribal nations at the center of the industry’s operation, it also represents a unique model of inclusion and economic development. As the market matures, Maine is expected to expand its regulatory oversight, possibly entertain new platform entrants, and refine tax and policy frameworks to maximize revenue while protecting bettors.

For residents and visitors, Maine now offers a legal, safe, and regulated way to enjoy sports wagering—from NFL Sundays to March Madness and everything in between.