Maine Sports Betting

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.

Offers

 

Disclaimer: For those outside of Maine, you may face restrictions on the offers you see on this page.

About Sports Betting in Maine

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.

Maine Sportsbooks

Currently Operating Sportsbooks

Current Sportsbooks

2

Licenses Allowed

4
Sportsbook
Partner/Retail Location

Oddfellahs: 55 Market St., Portland, ME 04101

Sports Betting Legalization in Maine

  • Sports wagering in Maine went live in 2023 after an arduous, years-long legislative effort.
  • Casinos and horse betting entities are allowed to offer in-person wagering, although only one retail sportsbook has opened in the state.
  • No betting on sporting events involving Maine colleges.
  • Mobile betting is the exclusive domain of the state's four Indian tribes, who've partnered with DraftKings and Caesars to offer such wagering.
  • 21+ betting age.
  • $200,000 license fee for mobile operators, with that same amount due every four years for renewal, and a10% tax on gross gaming revenue.

Legalization Timeline

  • Governor vetoes sports betting legislation

    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.

  • Sports betting bill falls just short – again

    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.

  • Mills-backed sports betting legislation passes

    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.

  • Sports betting signed into law

    May 2, 2022

    At long last, Mills signs sports wagering into law, with the legislation to take effect on July 31, 2022.

  • DraftKings and Caesars launch mobile wagering

    November 3, 2023

    After a bit of a lag due to lack of operator interest, Caesars and DraftKings launch mobile sports betting in Maine.

  • Caesars opens state's first brick-and-mortar sportsbook

    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.

FAQs

Is sports betting legal in Maine?

Sports betting has been legal and operational in Maine since 2023.

Who can bet on sports in Maine?

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.
 

Who regulates sports betting in Maine?

The Maine Gambling Control unit oversees sports betting in Maine.

What can I bet on 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.

What can't I bet on in Maine?

There are few prohibitions on specific sports wagers in Maine, but wagering on high school sports or Maine colleges is not permitted.

Is DFS legal in Maine?

Daily fantasy sports contests are legal in Maine, as then-Governor Paul LePage allowed legislation to pass into law without his signature in 2017.

Is it legal to bet on horse racing in Maine?

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.

Have other Questions? Email cservice2@drf.com

Responsible Gambling

21+ and Physically Present in ME. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.