It took several tries for Maine legislators to craft a sports betting bill that was to the governor's liking, but the Pine Tree State has since implemented a modest apparatus that suits its residents just fine.
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Maine's path to sports betting legalization was hard-earned. Early attempts by legislators to get this form of gambling passed were supported by peers – and rejected by the governor. But Gov. Janet Mills could hardly be called close-minded, as it was a bill she crafted – one that gave a ton of control to the state's four Indian tribes – that ultimately made it across the finish line.
One of Maine's charms is that it is not a crowded place. The other side of this coin is it had trouble attracting commercial operators before Caesars and DraftKings found enough to like to stake their flags in the Pine Tree State.
Mainers can bet on just about anything other than sporting events involving in-state colleges. Wagering handle reached an all-time monthly high of $52.8 in December 2024 and figures to remain steady for the foreseeable future.
Current Sportsbooks
2Licenses Allowed
4Oddfellahs: 55 Market St., Portland, ME 04101
Mobile Sportsbook
January 10, 2020
Governor Janet Mills vetoes a bill that would have legalized sports betting in Maine. The Senate votes to override her veto, but the House can't muster similar support as sports wagering dies on the legislative vine.
April 5, 2021
A bill to legalize mobile and retail sports wagering passes both legislative chambers before stalling on the appropriations table before Mills has a chance to sign it.
April 19, 2022
The State Senate approves legislation from Mills that empowers the state's four Indian tribes to control mobile sports wagering, while casinos and racetracks are authorized to offer retail betting.
May 2, 2022
At long last, Mills signs sports wagering into law, with the legislation to take effect on July 31, 2022.
November 3, 2023
After a bit of a lag due to lack of operator interest, Caesars and DraftKings launch mobile sports betting in Maine.
September 16, 2024
Caesars fills a curious void in Maine's sports betting ecosystem by opening the state's first retail sportsbook, Oddfellahs, in Portland.
Sports betting has been legal and operational in Maine since 2023.
Anyone who is physically present within Maine's boundaries and at least 21 years of age can place a mobile or in-person wager in the Pine Tree State.
The Maine Gambling Control unit oversees sports betting in Maine.
Maine grants operators a wide berth to offer wagering on sporting events, which makes for a large number of betting options for such a tiny state. Among the sports that Mainers are able to bet on are X-Games, Australian Rules Football, badminton, baseball, softball, basketball, biathlon, billiards, bowling, bull riding, boxing, chess, Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest, cricket, cycling, darts, ultimate frisbee, esports, floorball, futsal, Gaelic Games, golf, handball, field hockey, ice hockey, lacrosse, MMA, Olympics, motorsports, netball, pickleball, pesapallo, rowing, rugby, sailing, skateboarding, slap fighting, snooker, soccer, surfing, swimming, table tennis, tennis, volleyball, water polo, winter athletics, and NCAA wrestling.
There are few prohibitions on specific sports wagers in Maine, but wagering on high school sports or Maine colleges is not permitted.
Daily fantasy sports contests are legal in Maine, as then-Governor Paul LePage allowed legislation to pass into law without his signature in 2017.
Maine has one live racetrack, Hollywood Bangor, that hosts harness racing as well as simulcast wagering. There are a handful of off-track betting locations throughout the state, and Mainers are permitted to bet via online account wagering through Hollywood's racebook, which is affiliated with PENN Entertainment.
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