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Maine Sports Betting
ME Sports Betting Legalization & Mobile Sportsbook Updates
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In 2023, Maine's sports betting bill LD 585 passed in the Senate on April 19 and was followed by Gov. Janet Mills' signature thirteen days later in early May.
Major online sportsbooks (like Caesars and DraftKings) have joined the Maine online sports betting market when it went live, as licenses were granted solely to the Penobscot, Passamaquoddy, Mi’kmaq, and Maliseet tribes. Maine currently has a monopoly on sports betting set in place for these state tribes.
Is Maine Sports Betting Legal?
Yes! Maine sports betting is finally legal and has launched as of Nov. 3, 2023.
Maine Sports Betting Key Takeaways
⚖️ Is online sports betting legal in ME? |
Yes, online sports betting is legal, in addition to daily fantasy sports. Gov. Janet Mills officially legalized retail and mobile sports betting in Maine on May 2, 2022. Online betting went live on Nov. 3, 2023. Up to 10 retail books will accept in-person bets. |
💸 What are the eligibility requirements for mobile betting? | You must be 21 years of age or older and physically in Maine (verifiable by your mobile device's geolocation tech, or a downloadable desktop plugin) to place bets on online sportsbooks. |
📒 What ME online sportsbooks are available? | Caesars and DraftKings |
🏈 What sports can you bet on in Maine? | No professional sports are off-limits (relative to other legal U.S. markets). However, no betting is allowed on in-state college teams. |
Latest Maine Sports Betting Updates
- Nov. 3, 2023: Sports betting is officially live in the state of Maine as the first wagers rolled in around 9am ET.
- Nov. 1, 2023: The official launch of sports betting in Maine is slated for Nov. 3.
- Oct. 5, 2023: The Maine Gambling Control Unit submits plans to launch legal sports betting in Maine between Nov. 5 - Nov. 15.
- May 6, 2023: Caesars secures sports betting partnerships with three of four Maine tribes, the Maliseet Indians, and the Mi’kmaq and Penobscots Nations.
Now that Maine online sports betting launched, sportsbooks will pay a 10% tax on gaming revenue and $200,000, while their commercial partners will be expected to pay $40,000 every four years.
While waiting for legal sports betting to expand even more in the state, ME residents can play Underdog Fantasy, which is a leading Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) provider. Underdog Fantasy is a unique "higher/lower" picks platform that prompts users to select their favorite players from New England teams like the New England Patriots or the Boston Celtics.
New users can use Underdog Fantasy promo code ACTION for the following promo: Get up to $1000 Bonus Cash when you make your first deposit!
As of right now, Caesars and DraftKings are the only sportsbooks to earn a Maine sports betting license. BetMGM is expected to open retail locations in the state of Maine as well. Read on for more information on these sportsbooks.
Caesars has solidified their interest in the Maine sports betting market after securing most of the tribal partnerships in the state. BetMGM is another sportsbook that may look to enter the ME sports betting market sometime soon.
Sports bettors in Maine can use promo code ACTION22250BG for the following new user promo at Caesars Sportsbook: Get up to $250 in Bonus Bets!
Where to Play: Legal Online Sportsbooks in Maine
Caesars Sportsbook Maine
Back in May, Caesars secured Maine sports betting partnerships with three of four state tribes; Maliseet Indians, the Mi’kmaq Nation, and the Penobscots Nation.
Caesars Sportsbook Promo
Caesars Sportsbook Promo Code
Action Network Score
9.3/10. See our Caesars Sportsbook Promo Code and review for more in-depth information and step-by-step instructions on how to sign up.
Category Star Rating Bonuses & Promotions Mobile App & Website Registering & Cashiering Betting Options Caesars Sportsbook vs Other Sportsbooks Caesars Sportsbook Terms & Conditions
Must be 21+ and physically present in ME. New users only. Must register using eligible promo code. $5 min. weekly bet to receive $50 weekly Bonus Bet. Each Bonus Bet expires 14 days after receipt. Visit caesars.com/250-Offer for full terms. Know When To Stop Before You Start.® Gambling Problem? ME (Licensed through the Mi'kmaq Nation, Penobscot Nation, and Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, federally recognized tribes located in the State of Maine): If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER.
DraftKings MaineDraftKings is a sportsbook with long roots in daily fantasy sports. Using their lessons learned through DFS, DraftKings has created a user-friendly sportsbook that is easy on the eye in addition to being simple to use. This household name provides Maine sports bettors with sportsbook options to enjoy after the state recently launched sports betting. DraftKings has partnered with the Passamaquoddy Tribe in Maine.
DraftKings Promo
Bet $5, Get $250 in Bonus Bets + 1 Month of NFL+ Premium!
DraftKings Promo Code
No promo code is required to claim the DraftKings sign-up offer
Action Network Score
9.2/10. See our DraftKings Promo Code and review for more in-depth information about DraftKings and step-by-step instructions on how to sign up.
Category Star Rating Bonuses & Promotions Mobile App & Website Registering & Cashiering Betting Options DraftKings vs Other Sportsbooks
BetMGM Sportsbook MaineBetMGM is expected to join the Maine sports betting market with Caesars but hasn't secured a tribal partnership yet.
BetMGM Bonus
Coming Soon!
BetMGM Bonus Code
N/A
Action Network Score
9.8/10. See our BetMGM Bonus Code and review for more in-depth information and step-by-step instructions on how to sign up.
Category Star Rating Bonuses & Promotions Mobile App & Website Registering & Cashiering Betting Options BetMGM vs Other Sportsbooks
Banking with ME Sports Betting Sites
Legalized Maine sports betting operators offer the standard deposit and withdrawal options available in other states. Take a look at them below!
💳 Credit Card | Deposit ✅ | Withdrawal ❌ |
🏦 ACH/Bank Transfer | Deposit ✅ | Withdrawal ✅ |
💸 PayPal | Deposit ✅ | Withdrawal ✅ |
🔵 Venmo | Deposit ✅ | Withdrawal ✅ |
📱 Apple/Google Pay | Deposit ✅ | Withdrawal ✅ |
Potential Retail Sportsbooks in Maine
Legal sports betting in Maine is not expected to bring in a ton of revenue because of its limited licenses. Despite this, the state does have several potential betting locations and racetracks. Here's a list of potential in-person ME sportsbooks:
- Favorites Off-Track Betting
- Hollywood Casino Hotel & Raceway
- Oxford Casino Hotel
- Sanford Off-Track Betting
- Scarborough Downs
- Winners Sports Grill and Off-Track Betting
- Winners Circle Off-Track Betting
- Winners Sports Grill and Off-Track Betting
Maine Sports Betting Overview, Timeline and Background
Read our timeline below to learn more about the history of legal sports betting in Maine.
November 2023
Nov. 3 is chosen as the official launch date of Maine sports betting. Caesars Sportsbook took the first bets around 9 a.m. ET.
October 2023
The Maine Gambling Control Unit submits plans to launch Maine sports betting between Nov. 5 - Nov. 15. [Oct. 5]
May 2022
Gov. Mills signs LD 585, officially legalizing retail and mobile sports betting in ME on May 2, 2022. Additionally, Gov. Mills was expected to sign LD 585 after her amendment proposal to give all control to state tribes was accepted.
April 2022
Gov. Mills plans to include the state's native tribes in LD 585, giving them a foothold in the state's sports betting market. State lawmakers are not in agreement with Gov. Mills, as they are seeking to add the state's two casinos (in Oxford and Bangor) to LD 585.
The State Senate passed the sports betting bill 23-11 on April 19, which was the final night of their legislative session. The bill is now in the hands of Gov. Mills, who is expected to officially legalize sports betting in the Pine Tree State in 2022.
Maine's House of Representatives finally pass sports betting bill LD 585, leaving the Senate to make the next decision. Lawmakers are getting close to the end of their legislative session for the year, so the House's approval is a big step towards ultimate legalization in the Pine Tree State.
March 2022
Maine lawmakers narrowly advanced a bill on March 16 that would legalize retail and online sports betting under tribal control. The measure—which cleared the Senate Judiciary Committee on an 8-6 vote — is part of a comprehensive package of expanded tribal rights, negotiated by Gov. Janet Mills (D). It's scheduled for full-house votes, but it likely faces a tough path ahead as lawmakers consider alternative tribal reforms and amendments. Mills is opposed to a separate larger expansion package endorsed by Maine’s four tribes — who spoke at the hearing Wednesday in support of both pieces of legislation.
July 2021
Gov. Mills is unable to vote on SB 1352 because SB 1352 needs to go under one final review, which does not give Gov. Mills enough time to make a decision. Sports betting will not be coming to the Pine Tree State in 2021.
June 2021
The Senate passes SB 1352, sending it to the House. If the House passes this bill, it'll land again in Gov. Mills' hands.
April 2021
Senator Louis Luchini introduces SB 1352. This is the next attempt to legalize sports betting in the Pine Tree State since Gov. Mills vetoed LD 553 in 2020.
February 2020
The House's vote results in LD 553 being officially vetoed by Gov. Mills. The House was the deciding factor in legalized betting in the Pine Tree State, but were ultimately unable to succeed. The next opportunity to legalize sports wagering in the state will be throughout the duration of the 2021 legislative session.
ME's Senate votes to override Gov. Mills' veto. As the law suggests, lawmakers are allowed to override the governor's veto if they disagree with their action towards any particular bill. The House is next in line to decide if they will either override or agree with Gov. Mills' original veto.
January 2020
ME's sports betting bill LD 553 is vetoed by Gov. Janet Mills. The bill was vetoed on Jan. 10, 2020, after Gov. Mills shared her sentiment of the state's unpreparedness for legalized sports betting.
Maine Sports Betting Tips
Sports Betting for Beginners
If you’re new to Maine sports betting, you likely have questions: How much should you be betting? Where should you be betting? How do you find the best odds? Every sport and bet type comes with different nuances.
Check out our sports betting tips for beginners so you can get started.
Sports Betting Glossary
New bettors are expected to learn sports betting terminology if they want to responsibly bet on their favorite teams like the Boston Celtics or the Montréal Canadiens.
Check out our sports betting glossary to get up to speed with every term you might need to know before a parlay or prop bet.
Sports Betting Mistakes to Avoid
It’s important to stay disciplined and not overextend yourself when placing sports wagers. There will always be ups and downs, but if you stay true to our nine mistakes to avoid, your sports betting experience will be a much more enjoyable one.
Here are some sports betting mistakes to avoid.
Maine Teams to Bet on
Maine has a shortage of professional and college teams to bet on. The state currently has zero pro teams and just one D-I program in the state. Massachusetts, which is a major sports state, contains multiple pro sports teams that ME residents could bet on once Maine sports betting launches.
Latest Sports News in Maine:
- The New England Patriots have added a towering presence to their offensive line. Caleb Jones, a former Green Bay Packers offensive tackle, has joined the team's practice squad. Standing at 6-foot-9, Jones is the tallest player in Patriots history.
- Despite a late-inning rally, the Boston Red Sox fell short against the New York Mets, losing 8-3. A grand slam by Jesse Winker and solid relief work by Phil Maton sealed the victory for the Mets.
Upcoming Sports Events:
- Following a disappointing series sweep against the New York Mets, the Boston Red Sox will look to rebound at home against the Chicago White Sox. The three-game series kicks off on Friday, September 6th at 7:10 PM ET at Fenway Park.
- The New England Patriots will face the Cincinnati Bengals in their first game of the season on Sunday, September 8th. The game will be played at Paycor Stadium and will begin at 1 p.m. Eastern Time.
Pro Sports Teams
NFL Betting Maine
New England Patriots
The New England Patriots need no introduction. The most successful team of this century is one of the most successful teams in NFL history, having won six Super Bowls since 2001,11 conference championships and 22 division titles.
NFL Game Odds: New England Patriots vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Below is a selection of odds for the upcoming MLB game: Updated September 08, 2024 - Odds Provided by BetMGM - Subject to Change
Team |
Spread |
Moneyline |
Total |
(+8.5) -110 |
+340 |
Over 41 (-110) |
|
(-8.5) -110 |
-450 |
Under 41 (-110) |
A recommended resource list to help you make informed bets on football:
- How to Bet on Football Guide
- Expert NFL Picks
- Keep an eye on betting activity and bet/money distribution with our NFL Public Betting data
NBA Betting in Maine
Boston Celtics
Although in Massachusetts, many Maine residents bet on the Boston Celtics. The Celtics are a professional basketball team founded in 1946 as one of the NBA's original teams. They have 17 NBA championships, including their most recent title in 2024. Legendary players like Bill Russell, Larry Bird, and Paul Pierce.
To learn more about NBA betting:
MLB Betting in Maine
Boston Red Sox
Although in Massachusetts, many Maine residents bet on the Red Sox. The Red Sox stablished themselves as MLB heavyweights in the early 2000s but have failed to reach new heights within the last several seasons.
MLB betting information:
NHL Betting in Maine
Boston Bruins
Although based in Boston, MA, Maine residents love to watch the Bruins. The Boston Bruins have been regular contenders in the NHL for the better part of this century, but have just one Stanley Cup to show for it, a 2010-11 crown that was their first since 1972.
For more on NHL betting resources:
MLS Betting in Maine
New England Revolution
The New England Revolution were founded in 1994 and are a longtime member of Major League Soccer. However, an MLS Cup continues to allude them. The Revs' first major trophy was the 2007 U.S. Open Cup, and they have made the MLB Cup finals five times — 2002, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2014 — but have yet to come away with a victory.
Here is a recommended resource to help you bet on the MLS:
College Sports in Maine
Maine Black Bears — Football | Basketball
If you're from Maine and don't have your alma mater's colors in your house, you're probably rooting for the Black Bears. This could be a tough task at times, with the Black Bears men's basketball team being one of the small and select few teams in the nation to never play in March Madness. Plus, their football team only plays in the FCS, meaning they miss out on battles with some of the better programs in the country.
Here's a list of college betting resources to help you bet on the Black Bears with confidence:
College Football
- College Football Betting Tips for Profitability
- College Football Betting Tips on Fading the Public
- Action Data/Tools: College Football Odds, Picks, & Projections
College Basketball
Yes, sports betting is legal in Maine as of May 2, 2022! Mobile and retail operators launched on Nov. 3, 2023, in time for the NFL, NHL, and NBA seasons.
Yes! After Gov. Mills passed Maine's sports betting bill LD 585 on May 2, 2022, residents were able to place their wagers on Caesars and DraftKings when Maine sports betting launched on Nov. 3rd.
Yes, horse race betting is legal in Maine. Bettors can choose between four options:
- At the state's only two casino locations (Oxford Casino and the Hollywood Casino & Raceway)
- Scarborough Downs horse-racing track
- The Hollywood Races app
- Several off-track betting sites located throughout the state
The State of ME Gambling Control Unit will regulate and supervise sports betting when it launches in the Pine Tree State. The Gambling Control Unit operates within the ME Department of Public Safety, so all future sportsbook operators will be under strict regulation.
No, offshore books like MyBookie and Bovada are considered illegal sports betting operators. Both online sportsbooks are not regulated or licensed by Maine, so your money is never secure.
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler.