Maine Sports Betting in 2024
With the launch of two legal sports betting sites on Nov. 3, 2023, Maine joined a growing list of states with legal sports wagering. Maine sports betting currently consists of online wagering — via Caesars Sportsbook and DraftKings — but will ultimately include in-person betting at casinos and off-track betting facilities.
Follow this page for updates and information related to Maine sports betting.
- Population: 1.37 million
- Legal age for sports betting: 21
- Online sports betting: Yes
- Retail sportsbooks: Coming soon
- Sports betting revenue: N/A
Is sports betting legal in Maine?
Yes, sports betting is legal in Maine. Caesars Sportsbook and DraftKings began accepting online wagers on Nov. 3, 2023.
Gov. Janet Mills signed LD 585 into law, permitting state tribes to provide statewide mobile sports betting and establish retail sportsbooks at gaming facilities. This bill became effective on July 31, 2022.
Crossing state lines: Nearby betting sites in 2024
If bettors in the Pine Tree State are willing to travel, there are plenty of new-user sportsbook promos and betting options to choose from across state lines. Not only are neighboring New Hampshire, Connecticut, and Massachusetts there to offer both online and retail betting, but bordering Canada permits single-game sports wagering as well.
Maine sports betting updates
Milton Champion, the executive director of the Maine Gambling Control Unit, has noted that “It’s a matter of when, not if, for Maine sports betting.”
The following timeline recaps the history of sports wagering in the Pine Tree State:
May 21, 2024: Maine sports betting revenue increases in April, bringing in $38.3 million in wagers for the month.
April 9, 2024: Maine's online casino bill advances though fate remains unclear.
March 12, 2024: Maine's sports betting handle and revenue decrease in February, only earning $33.6 million in total wagers.
Feb. 22, 2024: Maine's sports betting revenue increases in January even as handle falls to lowest since launch.
Jan. 8, 2024: Maine lawmakers are pushing to legalize iGaming in 2024 to pair with its established legal online sports betting market, which launched in 2023.
Nov. 3, 2023: Caesars Sportsbook and DraftKings accept the first legal Maine sports betting wagers online at 9:00 a.m. ET.
Oct. 31, 2023: DraftKings joins Caesars Sportsbook in Maine as it partners with the Passamaquoddy Tribe. The Department of Public Safety, Gambling Control Unit announces that Maine sports betting will arrive on Friday, Nov. 3, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. ET.
Oct. 3, 2023: Recent comments by the executive director of the Maine Gambling Control Unit indicate the state remains on track for the launch of sports betting in November.
July 18, 2023: The Maine Gambling Control Unit expects to award temporary wagering licenses to operators and launch legal sports betting in November 2023.
April 4, 2023: A lack of interest from online sportsbook operators increases the likelihood of a 2024 Maine sports betting launch.
Jan. 11, 2023: Maine's proposed sports betting rules are published. Milton Champion notes that, if everything goes smoothly, sports betting could launch as early as April 2023. However, he maintains that the go-live date could be as late as January 2024.
Aug. 2, 2022: Milton Champion, the executive director of the Maine Gambling Control Unit, says that legal online sports wagering may not launch in Maine until January 2024.
May 29, 2022: Denise Terry, president of Scarborough Downs off-track betting, announces that May 30 will be the final day of operation.
May 2, 2022: Gov. Janet Mills signs Maine sports betting legislation into law to allow specific state tribes to offer statewide mobile sports betting. The bill goes into effect on July 31, 2022.
April 25, 2022: LD 585 is freed from the Senate’s “Special Appropriations Table.” The sports betting bill goes to Gov. Mills to be signed into law.
April 19, 2022: Gov. Mills' sports betting bill is approved via a 23-11 vote by the Maine Senate. The Penobscot, Passamaquoddy, and Maliseet tribes would control mobile wagering, while in-person betting would be allowed at casinos. The bill now requires the governor's signature to be passed into law.
Feb. 11, 2022: Gov. Mills is working on a bill that would give Maine's tribes exclusive rights to offer mobile sports betting.
Jan. 18, 2022: Sen. Luchini resigns to take a position with the U.S. Small Business Administration. Meanwhile, the sports betting legislation he created still sits on the Appropriations Table.
July 20, 2021: Despite reaching the Appropriations Table, LD 1352 stalls out. It remains there until the close of the 2021 legislative session.
July 2, 2021: A setback occurs with LD 1352, as it must go through the Appropriations Table before reaching Gov. Mills. The committee is to ensure that the bill is fiscally sound.
June 23, 2021: The House of Representatives approves LD 1352 and prepares to send it to Gov. Mills.
June 1, 2021: The Senate passes LD 1352 on to the House of Representatives, but not before amending it to require mobile sportsbooks to be tethered. Sen. Luchini votes against this bill version, arguing that tethering gives casinos too much control.
Apr. 5, 2021: Sen. Louis Luchini revitalizes hopes for legalized Maine sports betting by filing LD 1352. Notably, the bill contains language that would not require mobile sportsbooks to be tethered to an in-state casino to operate.
Feb. 11, 2020: The House of Representatives fails to overturn Gov. Mills’ veto of LD 553 by a vote of 85-57, effectively ending the hope of legalizing Maine sports betting for the year.
Feb. 6, 2020: The Senate votes 20-10 to override Gov. Mills’ decision to veto LD 553, sending the motion to the House of Representatives.
Jan. 10, 2020: Gov. Mills vetoes LD 553, a bill introduced in 2019 that would have legalized mobile and retail sports wagering in the state.
May 2018: The Supreme Court (SCOTUS) repeals the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), permitting each U.S. state to legalize and regulate sports betting.
Legal Maine sportsbooks
Mainers are limited to just two online sportsbooks — fortunately, these platforms are two of the best in the business. The Caesars Sportsbook and DraftKings betting apps both launched on Nov. 3, 2023.
Retail sportsbook partnerships have yet to be announced in Maine.
Maine's online and mobile sportsbooks
Online sportsbook | Mobile app | Odds provider | Online casino | Launch date |
---|---|---|---|---|
Caesars | Yes | Caesars | No | Nov. 3, 2023 |
DraftKings | Yes | SBTech | No | Nov. 3, 2023 |
Latest Maine sports betting news
Who can bet on sports in Maine?
Maine sports betting is for individuals who are 21 or older. Here's a breakdown of the betting landscape in the Pine Tree State.
Legal age
While a handful of states allow individuals 18 and up to bet on sports, Maine requires bettors to be at least 21 years old to wager at legal sportsbooks.
Mobile betting
Two sports betting apps are available in Maine: Caesars Sportsbook and DraftKings. The Maine Gambling Control Unit oversees these operators.
Remote registration
Bettors can register with Maine sportsbooks remotely from anywhere in the state. State law does not require in-person registration at casinos or off-track betting facilities.
Within state borders
All online wagers must be made within state borders. Maine sports betting sites use geofencing software to keep out-of-state bettors at bay.
Retail sportsbooks
No legal retail sportsbooks presently operate in Maine. When legal retail sports betting arrives, Maine’s two casinos, Oxford Casino and Hollywood Casino, will likely house the first retail sportsbooks.
Taxable winnings
If the stipulations of LD 1352 indicate what will eventually come to pass, there will be a 16% tax rate for online sportsbooks and a 10% rate for retail sportsbooks. Those numbers are in addition to the 24% tax applied by the federal government to all gambling winnings.
The pros and cons of Maine sports betting
Retail sports betting is coming to Maine — and online wagering has already arrived. Bettors can now wager online with Caesars Sportsbook and DraftKings. Up to 10 retail sportsbooks will eventually accept legal in-person bets.
How to start betting in Maine
Both mobile and retail sports betting are on the way in the Pine Tree State. Maine bettors can now peruse online sportsbooks in their entirety before getting started.
Select a sportsbook
Picking a sportsbook means reading reviews from reliable sources, and the same applies to the best betting lines, bonuses, and available bet types. It is also advisable for new players, especially, to carefully read the fine print once sports wagering becomes available in Maine.
Register in person or online
New users can register online and with Maine sports betting apps. Prospective bettors will be able to complete the sign-up process no matter where they are within the state. To begin, bettors have to share some personal information, such as full name, date of birth, and address, and confirm their identities before claiming any available bonuses.
Claim a bonus
Mobile sportsbooks often serve up substantial bonuses to entice new users to sign up. Make certain to read the terms and conditions of each offer before moving forward with a Maine sportsbook bonus from Maine betting sites.
Deposit funds
Maine sportsbooks accept credit cards, debit cards, bank transfers, PayPal, PayNearMe, and more. Usually, the withdrawal options match those used for deposits or are similar.
Choose your bet types
Sports bettors in Maine now have access to a variety of popular bet types. These include moneylines, Over/Unders (totals), point spreads, parlays, teasers, futures, live bets, and more.
Start betting
It’s vital to conduct research to pick out the best lines and claim the top bonuses from Maine sportsbooks. Once you’ve done that and added funds to your account, it’ll be time to begin betting. Ensure you are familiar with the conditions of each bet before placing your wager.
Withdraw funds
It takes time for withdrawals to be processed. The speed at which your winnings will arrive in your bank account will vary from sportsbook to sportsbook and will also depend upon the chosen withdrawal method.
Reading the odds
Maine sports betting sites display betting odds via American odds.
Favorites in any matchup are identifiable by a minus sign (-); the number following the value shows the amount of money you need to bet to win $100. For example, if the New England Patriots had -190 odds in their season opener, you would need to risk $190 to win $100.
Underdogs are identifiable by a plus sign (+) and highlight the amount you would win if you bet $100. In this scenario, +130 odds means that a $100 wager would return $130 in profit.
You can input your choices to our odds converter to see possible payouts. You can also toggle between American, decimal, and fractional odds.
What you can't bet on in Maine
There aren't many restrictions when it comes to Maine sports betting. Notably, wagering on all Olympic and professional sports (and some college sports) are in play.
Politics
No state-regulated sportsbook allows bets on political outcomes, and this holds true in the Pine Tree State. You cannot bet on politics at Maine sports betting sites.
Entertainment award ceremonies
Betting lines for celebrity-laden events and awards shows are not available at Maine sportsbooks.
esports
Maine sports wagering legislation includes language related to virtual sports competition, meaning that you can legally wager with esports betting sites within the state.
What about Maine college sports?
College sports are on the table in the Pine Tree State. However, Maine bettors do not have the ability to wager on any in-state college teams.
Maine sports betting handle
Legal Maine sports betting launched on Nov. 3, 2023, and is off to a hot start, earning a recorded sports betting handle of $37.6 million in its first month of operation.
Bookmark this page for Maine sports betting handle and revenue figure updates.
Yearly breakdown
Year | Total handle | Revenue | Hold percentage | Tax revenue |
2024 | - | - | - | - |
2023 | $82.1M | $9.21M | 11.35% | $2.39M |
Monthly handle
Year | Jan | Feb | March | April | May | June | July | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Total |
2024 | $38.1M | $33.6 | $47.6M | $38.4M | $39.9M | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
2023 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | $37.6M | $44.5M | $82.1M |
Home team advantage: Maine sports
Though you may be inclined to back the Bruins or Red Sox whenever possible, it's smart to eliminate any hometown bias by researching your bets on your favorite professional sports teams before placing them. This is a top-tier method to keep you from blindly backing a wager and consequently hurting your bankroll.
Our how to bet guides contain actionable insights for both new and intermediate bettors.
Although no scheduled fights are coming to the Nutmeg State, the best UFC betting sites and top boxing betting sites allow you to easily browse the markets and back fighters you can cheer on as passionately as your hometown teams.
Maine sports betting law
Gov. Janet Mills signed Maine sports betting legislation that went into effect on July 31, 2022. Legal online wagering began on Nov. 3, 2023.
Legal Maine sports betting distinctions include:
- The Maine Gambling Control Unit regulates Maine's legal sports betting market.
- Bettors must be 21 or older to place a wager in Maine.
- There are currently two online sportsbooks in the state and 10 retail betting licenses available.
- Sports betting revenue is taxed at a rate of 10% for retail and will be 16% for online.
- College sports betting is not permitted on Maine college sports.
Other types of gambling
The Maine Gambling Control Board regulates commercial operations in the state. There are a couple of forms of legal gambling in Maine, including the Maine Lottery and charitable gaming.
Casino
Maine is home to two casinos: Oxford Casino in Oxford and Hollywood Casino in Bangor. Wagering on sports at these venues, however, is prohibited.
Online gamblers are out of luck as there are no real money online casino websites in Maine.
Poker
The only licensed live poker room in Maine exists within Hollywood Casino. As for online poker, the state does not regulate the practice.
Horse and dog racing
There is one harness racetrack in the Pine Tree State: Hollywood Casino Hotel & Raceway. Both live races and legal pari-mutuel betting can be found here. There are also five off-track betting locations throughout the state, and those who are 18 or older can bet online via the Hollywood Races app or website.
Daily fantasy sports
In 2017, Governor Paul LePage had a daily fantasy sports (DFS) bill come across his desk but did not touch it, allowing it to become law via his inaction. Sports fans in the Pine Tree State have access to industry leaders like DraftKings, FanDuel, and Yahoo.
Quick facts: Maine sports betting
With the legalization of sports betting on the horizon in Maine, be sure to check out our table for the most relevant sports betting facts in the Pine Tree State:
Launch date | Nov. 3, 2023 |
Legal age for betting | 21 |
Online sports betting | Yes ✅ |
Number of betting licenses | 10 (retail); 4 (online) |
Number of betting sites | 2 |
Remote registration | Yes ✅ |
Retail sportsbooks | Coming soon ✅ |
Online casino sites | No ❌ |
Online poker | No ❌ |
Retail casinos | Yes ✅ |
Betting on college sports | Limited |
Betting on esports | Yes ✅ |
State population | 1.38 million |
Total handle (2023) | $82.1 million |
Tax rate | 16% (online); 10% (retail) |
State regulator | Maine Gambling Control Unit |
Last Verified | July 6, 2024 ✅ |
Responsible gaming in Maine
There is limited access to gambling within Maine. Still, many in the Pine Tree State who fall victim to gambling addiction. The Maine Council on Problem Gambling provides support and educational opportunities to raise awareness about problem gambling and promote recovery.
Visit the Maine Council on Problem GamblingLegal U.S. sports betting markets
Maine has joined these U.S. jurisdictions in offering legal sports betting:
Upcoming legal U.S. sports betting launches
Legal online North Carolina sports betting went live on March 11, 2024, meaning NC bettors can now register with their choice of several online sportsbooks, including FanDuel, Fanatics Sportsbook, and DraftKings.
Vermont sports betting launched on Jan. 11, 2024, with DraftKings, FanDuel, and Fanatics Sportsbook accepting wagers.
Legal Kentucky sports betting is here, as retail operations launched on Sept. 7, 2023. Online and mobile wagering went live on Sept. 28.
Potential legal U.S. sports betting markets
Here are the states moving toward legal sports betting that may potentially be closest to fabricating their own unique markets:
Maine sports betting history
Eager bettors will continue to wait for legal sports betting in Maine, as hopes are high for a go-live date in 2024.
2023: Maine sports betting arrives with online sportsbooks DraftKings and Caesars Sportsbook launching mobile apps on Nov. 3, 2023.
2022: Gov. Mills presents and eventually signs a bill that gives Maine's tribes exclusive rights to mobile sports betting while casinos can offer in-person betting. The bill goes live on July 31, 2022.
2021: Senator Louis Luchini files LD 1352 to legalize sports betting, but after approval from the Senate and the House of Representatives, the bill stalls at the Appropriations Table.
2020: Legal mobile and retail sports wagering efforts fall short as the Senate override Gov. Mills' veto of LD 553.
2018: The Supreme Court permits each state to legalize and regulate sports betting by repealing the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act.
Maine sports betting resources
Learn more about Maine sports betting with the resources below:
- Maine Gambling Control Unit: Regulatory body for gambling in the state.
- Maine sports betting bill: HP 428 - LD 585
- Maine Council on Problem Gambling: Responsible Gaming arm
- Maine self-exclusion program: Allowing individuals to exclude themselves from all gambling activities
Sportsbooks to avoid in Maine
See all blacklisted sportsbooks
With just two legal betting sites in Maine, looking to offshore sportsbooks may be tempting. But making a deposit with an unregulated offshore sportsbook instantly puts your financial information at risk. Save your bankroll for legal Maine sportsbooks and steer clear of the following illegal sportsbooks:
- Allegations of withdrawal issues
- No license information available on site
- Poor customer service
- Multiple reports of slow payments
- Allegations of non-payments
- Risk of account closure simply for winning bets
- Reports of confiscated winnings
- Slow customer support response times
Maine sports betting FAQ
Yes, sports betting is legal in Maine as Gov. Janet Mills signed the legislation into law on May 2, 2022. Legal online wagering began on Nov. 3, 2023.
Yes. You can bet on sports online with DraftKings and Caesars Sportsbook.
Yes, Maine allows online horse betting via the Hollywood Races app or website if you are 18 years of age or older. There are also numerous off-track betting locations throughout the state and two harness racetracks: Scarborough Downs and Hollywood Casino Hotel & Raceway.
Maine has already legalized sports betting. With official rules now in place, the state went live with two online sportsbooks — DraftKings and Caesars Sportsbook — on Nov. 3, 2023.
No, you do not have to be a resident to bet on sports in Maine. You do, however, need to be physically located within state borders to place an online wager.
The Maine Gambling Control Unit regulates all commercial operations in the state.
The minimum age to legally bet on sports in Maine is 21. If you are 18, you can wager on the state lottery.
You can place bets online with a Maine sports betting app. Soon, you will also be able to visit a retail sportsbook at a casino or off-track betting facility.
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Jeff Watters is senior content editor for Covers, locked in on North American sports betting and iGaming expansion and leading a talented team of expert analysts and sportsbook reviewers. Jeff’s career in gambling and e-learning has spanned more than a decade, allowing him to “think like a user” when assessing the latest sportsbook features and providing local coverage of regulated sports betting markets. Jeff is passionate about providing comprehensive, transparent, and unbiased betting analysis and giving Covers readers the confidence they need to come to their own conclusions when deciding how and where to bet on sports.