Maine has been on the verge of launching legal sports betting for several years now. Unfortunately, there have been a ton of roadblocks that have delayed The Pine Tree State from going live.
The state was close to legalizing sports betting in 2019 but Janet Mills vetoed the bill. A similar incidence happened in 2020 when the Senate pulled the plug on a bill at the 11th hour.
Even with all of this drama, some folks are still hopeful that Maine will launch at some point in 2024. For a while all that was needed is a signature from, you guessed it, Janet Mills. Though she was reluctant in the past, Mills signed sports betting into Maine law on May 2. However, that new law won't go into effect for quite a while.
Projected Launch Date in Maine
A launch of legal sports betting in Maine remains somewhat of a mystery. While Mills's signature was a giant step, regulators must reach an agreement with the state's tribes on a variety of details. While some experts think a summer launch date is possible, other folks think it won't happen until some time in late 2024.
It all depends on how fast regulators can write up rules and regulations, which could take over a year according to those in the know. Stay tuned, as we'll keep you up to date with all of the latest happenings on sports betting in the state of Maine.
Overview of Potential Sportsbooks in Maine
According to the way the bill is written, each of the four tribes in Maine can bring on one mobile sports betting operator. With only four skins available in the state, Maine sports bettors will be somewhat limited in their mobile sportsbook choices. However, that's not too uncommon, as states like Connecticut only have three online sportsbooks.
With such a competitive market, expect the larger sportsbooks to dominate in Maine. Here are some of the most likely candidates to launch in the state whenever that time comes:
DraftKings Sportsbook
DraftKings is a logical choice to join the Maine sports betting scene because its main office is close by in Boston, Massachusetts. They have a strong presence in the country and especially the Northeast, so that's another factor in their favor. Maine sports bettors will love the plethora of betting options that DraftKings provides.
BetRivers or SugarHouse Sportsbook
Since they are the same company operating under two different brands, we could list BetRivers and SugarHouse together. Though neither is as well known as DraftKings or FanDuel, both are established names in the gaming industry. SugarHouse recently snared the third and final skin in Connecticut, so they may contend for a spot in Maine as well.
Barstool Sportsbook
Barstool has a leg up on the competition in Maine since its parent company (Penn National Gaming) owns the largest casino in the state. Even if Barstool doesn't win one of the four available mobile skins, they'll more than likely build a retail sportsbook inside Hollywood Slots Hotel & Raceway.
FanDuel Sportsbook
FanDuel has a ton of market share in the US so they should have no trouble entering the state of Maine whenever a launch state is set. FanDuel is known for its large signup bonuses and insanely fast app.
BetMGM Sportsbook
BetMGM has proven to be a viable option for all sports bettors in the US. They offer competitive promos, less juice than some of their competitors, and access to lots of daily odds boosts. We give BetMGM an above-average chance of securing one of the four mobile licenses in Maine.
What Bonus Offers Will Be Available in Maine?
Though we don't know what type of bonus offers will be available whenever Maine goes live with sports betting, the following list contains some of the most common new player bonus offers in the industry. Whichever sportsbooks win the four available skins will likely offer one of these below:
Pre-Registration Offers
The latest states to legalize sports betting, like Louisiana and New York, offered some lucrative pre-registration offers to prospective customers. We don't know if operators in Maine will do the same, but if they do, these are the best way to get bonus cash before the official launch day.
Deposit Bonus Offers
Industry giants like FanDuel and DraftKings are known for offering this type of bonus to new clients. Basically, the sportsbook will match a portion of your initial deposit for up to a certain amount. For example, the current DraftKings deposit bonus offer maxes out at $1,000.
Odds Boost Offers
Odds boost bonus offers have become all the rage of late in the sportsbook industry. This is where you bet a set amount of money to receive a certain amount of bonus funds. For example, the current offer from BetMGM pays out $200 on your first $10 wager, as long as either team in the game hits a home run!
Second Chance Bets
Second Chance bets are extremely popular amongst sportsbooks right now. In fact, the current offers from Caesars and PointsBet are Second Chance bet promos. These range from $1,500 to $2,000 and include a full refund if your first wager loses. In most cases, the refund is paid as a site credit that must be used at least once before it can be withdrawn.
FAQs for sports betting in Maine.
We get questions all the time about sports betting in Maine. With the new law, naturally, Maine residents have tons of questions. Here are some of the most common questions we hear—
Is sports betting legal in Maine?
Yes, sports betting is legal in Maine, and it can be done both online and in retail locations, per a bill signed in August 2022. However, the Maine Gambling Control Unit has stated that betting may not be publicly available until sometime in 2024.
Who regulates sports betting in Maine?
The Maine Gambling Control Unit regulates sports betting in Maine. The Gambling Control Unit monitors and enforces all rules and regulations related to sports betting in Maine.
What sportsbooks will be available for Maine bettors?
The availability of sportsbooks in Maine is uncertain at the moment. Maine has no retail or online sportsbooks, but ten retail and four online betting licenses are up for grabs. Prominent names like FanDuel, DraftKings, or Barstool Sports are predicted to enter the market when permitted.
What types of sports bets can I make in Maine?
Maine will offer all the major types of sports betting, including point spreads, moneylines, parlays, futures, and props. Additionally, some more advanced wagers, like teasers, may be available for more experienced bettors. These will most likely include live betting, allowing you to place bets on ongoing games.
How will I be able to place a bet?
Maine sportsbooks will offer both retail and online wagering options. Retail sportsbooks are expected to open up at approved casinos throughout the state, while online apps will be available on smartphones and other mobile devices. As the Maine Gambling Control Unit defines the regulations, more details will become available.
Will I have to pay taxes on my winnings?
Per the law, you must report and pay taxes on any winnings from sports betting, whether in-person or online. The tax rate is 10% for in-person betting and 16% for online betting.
What is the legal age for sports betting in Maine?
The legal age to bet on sports in Maine is 21 years old.
Will there be bonuses and promotions available?
Yes, sportsbooks in Maine will almost certainly offer bonuses and promotions to welcome new players and reward loyal customers. These may include bonus bets, deposit bonuses, or cashback rewards. As more retail and online sportsbooks are established, their bonus offerings will become clearer. Many online sportsbooks offer pre-registration bonus offers to those who register before the sportsbook goes live. Keep an eye out for when these offers become available.
Can I bet on college sports in Maine?
Yes, you will be able to bet on college sports in Maine. However, any bets involving schools or teams from Maine are prohibited by state law. All other college sports betting is allowed. So if you were hoping to bet on the University of Maine Black Bears, you'd have to go out of state.
21+ to wager. Please Gamble Responsibly. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-877-770-7867(CO), 1-800-522-4700 (KS, NV), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-877-770-STOP (7867) (LA), Call 1-800-327-5050 (MA), Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1-800-270-7117 for confidential help (MI). Call or text 877-718-5543 or visit morethanagame.nc.gov (NC). Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), 1-888-532-3500 (VA).
Chris Lollis is a sports betting expert that has covered the industry for more than a decade. Over that time he has covered everything from the repeal of PASPA to the state-by-state legislative changes. Chris serves as the Head of Content at EatWatchBet, and is responsible for tracking latest news and updates from every U.S. sportsbook.
