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Maine Sports Betting - Best Maine Betting Sites December 2024

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Bet365

Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets
Promo Code: BOOKIES

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Deposit required. Paid in Bonus Bets. Bets wager excluded from returns. New Customer only. Must be 21+ and present in OH. T&Cs apply. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
24 PLAYERS REDEEMED TODAY!
Caesars

$1,000 First Bet on Caesars
Promo Code: BOOKIES1000

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Must be 21+ to participate. T&Cs apply.
DraftKings

Bet $5, Get $150 Instantly

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21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/WY). Void in IA/KS/KY/LA/MD/MI/NJ/NY/TN/VA/VT/ONT. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS). 1 per new customer. Min. $5 deposit. Min. $5 bet. Max. $150 issued as non-withdrawable Bonus Bets that expire in 7 days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout. Terms: dkng.co/bball. Ends 1/5/25 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DraftKings. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD).
BetMGM

Up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets if Your First Bet Loses
Promo Code: BOOKIES

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Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days. One New Customer Offer Only. Must be 21+ to participate & present in OH. In partnership with MGM Northfield Park. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Visit BetMGM.com for T&Cs. US promotional offers not available in NY, NV, or Puerto Rico.
FanDuel

Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets if Your Bet Wins + 3 Free Months of NBA League Pass

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Must be 21+ and present in OH. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Fanatics

Bet And Get Up to $1,000 in No Sweat Bets

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21+. New customers in AZ, CO, CT, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MD, MI, NC, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VT, VA, WV, or WY only. Must apply this promotion in your bet slip and place a $1+ cash wager with odds of - 500 or longer each day for 10 straight days. Your 10 days begin the day you establish your account. Wager must settle as a loss to qualify for Bonus Bets. Bonus Bets will equal the amount of the losing wager(s) (up to $100 in Bonus Bets per day) and expire 7 days from issuance. This offer is not available in New York. Terms apply- see Fanatics Sportsbook app. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-522-4700, CT (888) 789-7777, IA 1-800-BETS-OFF, VA 1-888-532-3500
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Maine sports betting is about to launch in November. We recommend using the best Maine betting sites like BetMGM, Caesars, FanDuel, and many others to claim the best bonuses & Maine sports betting promos. Maine sportsbooks and betting apps will have all your favorite sports offered for you to bet on, so here is a guide of what Maine betting sites to use.

Best Maine Betting Sites

⭐ BetMGM Maine Best Markets & Odds
⭐ DraftKings Maine Best User Experience & Promotions
⭐ FanDuel Maine Fastest Payouts & Best Odds Boosts
⭐ Caesars Maine Best Welcome Offers
⭐ BetRivers Maine Moneyline & Futures Odds
⭐ PointsBet Maine Daily Odds Boosts

Maine Sports Betting Updates

Sports betting in Maine will soon be legal after Governor Janet Mills signed LD585, which gives the state’s four federally recognized Native American tribes exclusive rights to Maine betting sites.

Each of the four tribes can partner with one private operator (DraftKings, FanDuel, etc). There will be 10 retail Maine sportsbook licenses awarded. Retail sportsbooks will be available at the state’s two casinos and all six off-track betting facilities. 

The Maine legislature (both the House and the Senate) passed a Maine sports betting bill two years ago, but it was vetoed by Governor Mills and another failed to progress out of the legislature last year. This time, Mills signed the legislation, which she helped negotiate to benefit the tribes. 

The bill will go into effect on August 2. A launch date is on November 3rd.  All indications are Maine lawmakers are going to be deliberate about a sports betting launch. Keep this page bookmarked for updates.

Top Maine Sports Betting Apps & Sportsbooks

Maine’s sports betting bill allows each of the four tribes — Penobscot, Passamaquoddy, Maliseet tribes and Mi’kmaq (collectively known as the Wabanaki Nations) — to partner with one Maine betting site apiece. Up to 10 Maine retail sportsbook licenses may also be made available. Among the online operators likely (no licenses have been awarded yet) to offer mobile betting in Maine are:

DraftKings Sport

DraftKings Sportsbook Maine

DraftKings is one of the most well-known online wagering and sports betting providers in North America, with a wide range of bonuses and promotions and an app that is consistently ranked as one of the best in the U.S. Headquartered in nearby Boston, DraftKings offers dozens of markets and a great live betting experience. There's no doubt DraftKings Maine betting app will be one of the best Maine online sportsbooks.

  • Expected Bonus Offer: Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets

  • Expected To Go Live:TBD

  • Retail Partner: TBD

  • Live Betting: Yes

  • Boosted Odds: Yes

  • App Offered: iOS via the App Store; Android via Google Play

FanDuel

FanDuel Sportsbook Maine

FanDuel is the No. 1 online sports betting operator in the U.S. based on market share. Like DraftKings, FanDuel has grown from daily fantasy sports provider to online wagering powerhouse. FanDuel's app is extremely user-friendly and the blue color palette is easy on the eyes. FanDuel Maine betting app is likely to offer the same great promotions and same-game parlays as it does in other states.

  • Expected Offer: Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets

  • Expected Go Live: TBD

  • Retail Partner: TBD

  • Live Betting: Yes

  • Boosted Odds: Yes

  • App Offered: iOS via the App Store; Android via Google Play.

BetMGM Sport

BetMGM Sportsbook Maine

BetMGM is the result of a partnership between MGM Resorts and Entain Group, arguably the biggest sports betting and iGaming company in the world. BetMGM is one of the fastest growing online sportsbooks in the U.S., available in nearly 16 states, plus Washington, D.C. Few operators offers a more comprehensive wagering menu, along with a terrific M Life rewards program. BetMGM Maine is sure to offer all the same perks.

  • Expected Offer: Bet $10, Get $200 in Bonus Bets

  • Expected Go Live: TBD

  • Retail Partner: TBD

  • Live Betting: Yes

  • Boosted Odds: Yes

  • App Offered: iOS via the App Store; Android via Google Play

Caesars Sport

Caesars Sportsbook Maine

Caesars Sportsbook has emerged as a powerhouse in the U.S. market in the year-plus since it purchased U.K-based gaming giant William Hill. Caesars will likely offer one of the industry’s most generous promo code offer, tons of odds boosts, as well as popular rewards program tied into its resorts.

  • Expected Offer: First Bet $1000 Bonus

  • Expected Go Live: November 3rd, 2023

  • Retail Partner: TBD

  • Live Betting: Yes

  • Boosted Odds: Yes

  • App Offered: iOS via the App Store; Android via Google Play

WynnBET

WynnBET Sportsbook Maine

The online gaming division of Wynn Resorts, WynnBet Maine will be a premium online sportsbook with an easy-to-use Maine betting app. As it does in other states, WynnBet Maine will offer fewer niche sports than most operators, but offers some low-juice odds and solid promotions.

  • Expected Offer: Bet $10, Get $200 in Bonus Bets

  • Expected Go Live: TBD

  • Retail Partner: TBD

  • Live Betting: Yes

  • Boosted Odds: Yes

  • App Offered: iOS via the App Store; Android via Google Play

PointsBet

PointsBet Sportsbook Maine

Australia-based online PointsBet sportsbook continues to expand U.S. footprint and recently joined New York marketplace. If awarded a license, PointsBet Maine will likely offer a generous promo code offer, unique promotions and high-risk, high-reward points betting format. Points betting works like this: the more right you are about at team covering the spread, the more money you win (or lose) at.

  • Expected Offer: 10 X $100 Second Chance Bonus Bets

  • Expected Go Live: TBD

  • Retail Partner: TBD

  • Live Betting: Yes

  • Boosted Odds: Yes

  • App Offered: iOS via the App Store; Android via Google Play

BetRivers

BetRivers Sportsbook Maine

BetRivers is part of Rush Street Interactive, which is a pioneer in the U.S. sports betting market. Rush Street Interactive launched the first online casino in New Jersey and was well positioned in The Garden State when sports betting legalization outside of Nevada took hold in 2018. Available in more than a dozen states, BetRivers offers one of the least-restrictive welcome bonus offers in the industry, making it easy to quickly claim and redeem bonus money. Solid live (in-game) betting options. We expect the same if BetRivers Maine get the green light to launch.

  • Expected Offer: $100 Second Chance Bet

  • Expected Go Live: TBD

  • Retail Partner: TBD

  • Live Betting: Yes

  • Boosted Odds: Yes

  • App Offered: iOS via the App Store; Android via Google Play

Bally Bet

BallyBet Sportsbook Maine

Interactive gaming company headquarters is in Providence, R.I. Purchased Bally’s name from Caesars in 2020 and acquired naming rights of regional sports networks. The BallyBet Maine mobile app should be responsive and easy to navigate, based on our experience reviewing BallyBet in other states.

  • Expected Offer: 100% first bet match up to $250

  • Expected Go Live: TBD

  • Retail Partner: TBD

  • Live Betting: Yes

  • Boosted Odds: Yes

  • App Offered: iOS via the App Store; Android via Google Play

Resorts World

Resorts Sportsbook Maine

Resorts Sportsbooks is run by Resorts Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City. It is currently only live in New Jersey and New York, but it offers seemingly unlimited markets and an app that is extremely easy to use. Resorts Maine, based on what it does in other states, will offer enticing boosts on parlays if it eventually offers an online sportsbook in the state.

  • Expected Offer: Bonus Bet up to $250

  • Expected Go Live: November 2023

  • Retail Partner: TBD

  • Live Betting: Yes

  • Boosted Odds: Yes

  • App Offered: iOS via the App Store; Android via Google Play

Barstool Sports

Barstool Sportsbook Maine

Majority owned by Penn National Gaming, which already has a strong presence in Maine as owner of Hollywood Casino Bangor. Uses Barstool Sports personalities like Kelly Stewart aka "KellyinVegas" and Dan "Big Cat" Katz to make selections and offers promotions on those games. Barstool Maine, if it launches, will be one of the top sportsbooks in the state.

  • Expected Bonus Offer: $1000 First Bet Bonus

  • Expected To Go Live: TBD

  • Retail Partner: TBD

  • Live Betting: Yes

  • Boosted Odds: Yes

  • App Offered: iOS via the App Store; Android via Google Play.

Maine Legal Sports Betting Legislation Timeline

October 2023: Maine sports betting announced to go live in November 3rd 2023.

May 2022: Governor Janet Mills signs LD585, which legalizes sports betting in Maine under the control of the state's four Native American tribes. In-person betting will be allowed at racetracks and casinos.

April 2022: Maine Senate and House pass bill that legalizes sports betting and gives tribes mobile wagering exclusivity. In-person wagering is permitted at state’s two casinos and off-track betting locations. Legislation is sent to Gov. Janet Mills for signature.

January 2021: Maine lawmakers pass separate sports betting bills, but legislation remains on Appropriations Table as session expires.

January 2020: Governor Janet Mills vetoes mobile and in-person sports betting legislation, saying the subject requires further study. Maine Senate votes to override veto, but House does not.

Is Sports Betting Legal in Maine?

Yes, Maine sports betting is now legal after Gov. Janet Mills signed LD585 in early May 2022. The bill will go into effect August 2. Once enacted, the bill gives the state’s four federal recognized Native American tribes exclusive control of mobile Maine sports betting. Casinos and off-track betting facilities would be permitted to provide in-person sports betting. Maine sports betting should start November 3rd.

Best Maine Betting Apps

Maine sports betting apps will become available after online sportsbook licenses are awarded. The state estimates that online wagering will comprise 85% of the Maine sports betting market. Sports betting apps provide convenient access to sports betting 24/7 from a smartphone or mobile device. The Maine betting apps are available for Android and iOS devices and free to download.

Maine Sports To Bet

NFL

NFL Betting

The NFL is the most popular league for sports betting and the Super Bowl the biggest single event for wagering at Maine betting sites. Point spread betting is the most popular NFL bet, but moneyline, parlays, totals and proposition bets also get plenty of action. BetMGM Maine and Caesars Maine (assuming they get licenses) will offer the strongest NFL-related promotions.

NBA

NBA Betting

The long NBA regular season and postseason provides plenty of pro basketball wagering opportunities. Point spread and totals wagering are the most popular and live wagering allows bettors to bet on a NBA game’s outcome by quarter or half. The Boston Celtics are sure to be a huge draw at Maine betting sites. BetMGM Maine should have some of the best NBA deal around, like its Bet $10, Win $200 if either team hits a 3-pointer offer it ran last season.

MLB

MLB Betting

Live wagering adds an element of excitement to MLB betting. Maine betting sites with in-game wagering, bettors are offered dozens of betting options at any time, such as how many runs will be scored in a specific inning or even the result of a specific at-bat. Moneyline bets are the most popular pre-game baseball bet, with odds determined by team strength and pitching matchups. FanDuel Maine should have the widest variety of MLB markets around (based on its offerings in other states); it should offer a great live-betting experience.

NHL

NHL Betting

Moneyline and totals wagers are the most popular NHL bets, with spread betting (puck line) and futures also available at Maine betting sites. Hockey is a popular sports in Maine, which is home to the East Coast Hockey League’s Maine Mariners. Caesars Maine should have an enormous amount of NHL prop betting options; in other legal states, Caesars offers far more prop markets than we've seen at any other sportsbook.

College Sports

Maine sportsbooks will be permitted to allow wagering on college sports, such as NCAA football and basketball, but not on games involving state-based schools, such as the University of Maine. NCAA football and basketball both generate huge wagering handles due thanks to the College Football Playoff and March Madness.

Popular Sports Teams in Maine

Patriots

New England Patriots

The Patriots, who plays their home games in Foxborough Mass., are among the winningest teams in NFL history. The Tom Brady-Bill Belichick era from 2001-2019 produced six Super Bowl titles and 19 consecutive winning seasons. Brady moved on to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (where he won another Super Bowl), but Belichick remains of the league’s most successful coaches and led the Pats to another playoff appearance in 2021.

Red Sox

Boston Red Sox

The Red Sox are one of the most historic franchises in all of sports and have played their home games at Fenway Park since 1912. The Red Sox have won nine World Series titles (third-most of any MLB team) most recently in 2018. The 2021 Red Sox won the American League wild card and divisional playoff series’ before losing to the Houston Astros in the ALCS.

Bruins

Boston Bruins

The Bruins are the oldest active U.S.-based franchise in the NHL and one of the league’s six original teams. They’ve won six Stanley Cup titles, most recently in 2010-11. The Bruins are a consistent Eastern Conference contender and in 2022-23 reached the postseason again.

Bills

Buffalo Bills

Bills Mafia is everywhere, and Maine isn't that far from Buffalo in the grand scheme of things. It stands to reason there are more than a few Bills fans in Maine and they'll love betting Josh Allen's squad. Buffalo is coming off a heart-breaking loss in the AFC Divisional round game, but has reloaded and should be among the AFC's elite yet again. The Bills definitely are the class of the AFC East, to say the least.

Giants

New York Giants

The Giants have won four Super Bowls, but haven’t provided much excitement in recent years. The Giants have just one winning season in the past nine years and 2021 was their fifth consecutive season of double-digit losses. The 2023 season will kick off with new coach Brian Daboll and new general manger Joe Schoen.

Jets

New York Jets

Like their New York NFL counterparts, the Jets have fallen on hard times in the past decade with just one winning season in the past 12 years. QB Zach Wilson, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2021 draft, provides hope for the future. Coach Robert Saleh begins his second season with the team in 2023.

Yankees

New York Yankees

The Yankees are one of the most iconic franchises in Major League Baseball and all of sports, so while they may be outnumbered by Red Sox fans, there are more than a handful of Yankees fans in Maine. The Bronx Bombers have won 40 American League pennants and 27 World Series titles, both MLB records. The Yankees enter the 2023 season with five consecutive playoff appearances, but haven't reached the World Series since 2009 (when they beat the Phillies in six games).

Mets

New York Mets

The Mets, who began play in 1962, have won two World Series, but none since 1986. They haven’t finished better than third in the NL East the past five years. Buck Showalter is the team’s fifth manager in just over four years.

Maine Sportsbook Promo Codes at Online Sportsbooks

Online Maine sports betting is a competitive business. To increase market share, online Maine betting sites offer a wide range of bonus offers and promotions to sign up new customers and retain existing ones at Maine betting sites. Many of these Maine betting sites offers are worth taking advantage of. Here are the most popular bonus and promotional offers:

Bonus Bets

Lose your first bet and your Maine sports betting provider will refund the bet up to a specific amount, often up to $1,000. Refunds are provided in the form of bonus bet or wagering site credits. Note that most bonus bets pay out the winnings of a bonus bet, but not the original stake.

Deposit Match

Several online Maine sportsbooks offer a 100% match of your first deposit, up to a specific amount. So if you make an initial deposit of $500, your Maine betting sites will match that $500, giving you $1,000 to bet with. Deposit match offers may require players to meet specific wagering thresholds before the bonus money can be fully redeemed, so it’s important to read terms and conditions.

Referral Bonuses For Maine Betting Sites

Refer a new account holder to your Maine betting sites provider— usually by sharing a referral link — and receive a referral bonus. Referral bonus amounts vary by operator and are paid when the referred person makes a deposit.

Odds Boosts

Popular Maine sports betting promos in which your sports betting provider enhances the odds (reduces its juice) on a specific team or game at no cost to the bettor. For example, If the Boston Red Sox are +120 on the moneyline against the New York Yankees, the sportsbook may boost the odds to +130 or more.

Parlay Insurances

If you place a parlay that includes at least five legs and all legs win except one, your wagering amount will be refunded. Terms vary by operator. At FanDuel Maine, for example, the maximum refund is $25 and odds on each team can be no greater than -200.

How To Choose Maine Betting Sites

Sports bettors will have a choice of Maine betting apps and Maine betting sites. In determining which of the Maine betting apps and sites is best for you, consider these factors before signing up:

Great Maine Sports Betting Reviews

Bookies.com provides free reviews and recommendations for online sportsbooks in states with legal, regulated sports betting. We know what to look for and sign up for Maine betting sites to determine which offers the best overall online experience.

What Bets Are Allowed

Consider which type of bets you prefer to make and whether the online Maine betting site offers what you want. For example, if your prefer in-game wagering, some sites may offer significantly more options per game. Some Maine betting sites offer same-game parlays, others do not.

Great Pricing On Betting Lines and Odds At Maine Betting Sites

Point spreads and moneyline odds will tend to be similar at Maine sportsbooks, but not identical. A key to sports betting success is finding the best value on every possible bet. One way to do that is to sign up at multiple Maine betting sites and apps, then shop and compare odds to ensure you are not overpaying on any bet.

Frequent Sports Betting Bonuses

All the best Maine betting sites will offer competitive welcome bonuses to new users, whether it be a bonus bet, a site credit or a deposit bonus match. These bonuses are a nice way to get your feet wet if you're new to sports betting on Maine betting apps.

Excellence In User Interface For Maine Betting Apps

All Maine sports betting apps are not created equal. Some are easier to navigate, more responsive and intuitive, and contain less clutter. Some are more straightforward, others have added features. Experiment with a few to determine which is best for you.

Easy Deposits & Withdrawals At Maine Betting Sites

Being able to make timely and hassle-free deposits and withdrawals will significantly enhance your sports betting experience at Maine betting sites. For deposits, that means a wide range of options which can transfer funds into your account in seconds. For withdrawals, that means a timely transaction with no or minimal fees that will quickly process your request after a brief initial approval period.

Variety Of Customer Support

If you have a question or concern about a bonus offer or recent transaction, your Maine betting sites operator should provide timely customer support via email, online chat and/or toll-free phone number.

Why Sign Up For Multiple Maine Betting Sites?

Competition creates a more bettor-friendly marketplace. Here’s why it’s worthwhile to sign up with multiple Maine betting sites and apps providers:

Get The Best Betting Lines

Some Maine sports betting providers charge more juice than others. Why accept lower odds and prices when you don’t have to? Scan multiple Maine betting sites to lock in the best possible price on every game you bet.

Betting Bonuses

Bettors can claim a welcome bonus only once at each online Maine betting site. But bettors can claim multiple welcome bonuses by signing up at multiple Maine online sportsbooks.

Bet Offerings

All Maine betting sites will provide wagering on the major U.S. sports leagues. But what if you prefer betting on less-popular niche sports and international sports? The more operators available, the more choices for bettors.

Feel of The Maine Sportsbook

Some online Maine betting sites simply provide you with a higher comfort level. That may mean offering better customer service and more timely transaction times. Experiment with different sites to determine which you feel most comfortable with.

Maine Sportsbook Rules

Maine sportsbooks may have different rules on specific wagers such as prop bets that end in a tie, what happens when games are shortened or postponed, etc. These rules can make the difference between winning and losing on some wagers.

Available Sports Wagers At Maine Online Sportsbooks

Point Spreads: The point spread is the sportsbook’s numerical difference between two competing teams. If the New England Patriots are 7-point favorites over Miami Dolphins, the Patriots must win the game by more than seven points to cover the spread. If you bet on the Dolphins, they must lose by less than seven points or win the game outright.

Moneyline: A wager on a team to win a game. No point spreads involved, so margin of victory doesn’t matter. Moneyline odds are set by the sportsbook. If the Boston Celtics are -130 against the New York Knicks, Celtics bettors wager $130 to win $100. NFL moneyline underdogs are often attractive because anything can happen and a team like the Jaguars could be +750 and bet the Colts, like they did at the end of the 2022 season.

Parlay: A single bet combining two or more wagers, all of which must win for the parlay to cash. The more teams in the parlay, the higher the potential payoff. A three-team parlay generally pays out at 6-1 odds, which is much more enticing than your standard -110 line on a straight bet. Same-game parlays are also very popular and work like this: You could bet the Red Sox moneyline, Xander Bogaerts to homer and the total runs to go over 6.5 on the same betslip.

Totals: A wager that the combined number of points by both teams in a specific game will be over or under the total set by the Maine betting site. Also known as an over/under wager. Totals bets will have odds based on a $100 bet. The difference is that most of the time, totals wagers will have the standard -110 juice on each side of the bet.

Futures: Futures bets are wagers you place on things that --- take place in the future, of course. Futures bets include betting the Red Sox to win the World Series, the Bruins to win the Stanley Cup or the Celtics to win the NBA title. Futures bets come with attractive odds because you're taking on a lot of risk by betting future events (there are a lot of variables). Conversely, if you bet a future during the season, you might get less than ideal odds because there is more data (more games played) .

Prop Bets: Prop bets have become very popular. One of the reasons is they provide instant gratification, as opposed to waiting until the game is over to see if your bet cashes. For instance, you might have Rafael Devers Over 2.5 hits vs. the Yankees. Let's say he starts the game 3-for-3 - boom, your bet cashes as soon as the fifth or sixth inning!

Live Bets: Live bets are wagers placed at betting sites while a game is in progress. Odds are adjusted as the game progresses. Also known as in-game wagering. Live betting is extremely popular because if you have a good feel for the flow of the game, you can take advantage of a line you think seems "off." You can also bet fun props like Any Time Touchdown scorers live.

Prohibited Bets: All bettors must be 21 or older to participate in Maine sports wagering. Bettors must be physically located inside Maine state lines to wager. No betting on games involving in-state college teams or prep sports.

Other Maine Betting Options

Daily Fantasy Sports

Daily fantasy sports are legal in Maine. State lawmakers passed a daily fantasy sports law in 2017 setting license fees and taxes and prohibits fantasy sports betting on amateur or college events. All of the major daily fantasy sports operators, including FanDuel and DraftKings, operate in Maine.

Horse Racing

Bangor Raceway offers live harness racing and is the state’s only racino. The state’s other harness track, Scarborough Downs, ended live racing in 2020 but still offers year-round simulcasting. Maine has several off-track betting locations to wager on horse racing.

Elections

Under the sports betting bill passed by lawmakers, wagers are restricted to sports events, so no betting on elections or award shows.

Pop Culture Ceremonies

Pop culture markets include the Oscars and the Grammys. These markets are not usually allowed in states that have regulated betting. It's too early to say if Maine will allow the, but nearby New Hampshire, Connecticut and New York don't so it's unlikely.

Esports

Maine sports betting law does not permit wagering on competitive video game events.

Maine Online Sports Betting Legislation

Maine lawmakers approved sports wagering in April 2022 and Gov. Janet Mills signed LD 585 in early May 2022.

The bill gives the state’s four federally recognized Native American tribes a monopoly on online sports betting, which is expected to comprise more than 85% off the market. Each of the tribes can partner with one online platform, meaning a total of four online sportsbooks.

Legal in-person sports betting in Maine will be available at the state’s two casinos and off-track wagering locations. The state’s casinos wanted to offer online sports betting, but the legislation is part of a broader sovereignty issue that is intended to improve the tribes’ economic position and improve their gaming compact with the state.

Maine Sports Betting Revenue Projection

Providing the Penobscot, Passamaquoddy, Maliseet and Mi’kmaq tribes a monopoly on online sports betting will significantly benefit the state’s tribal economies. The Maine Indian Land Claims Settlement, signed in 1980, provided almost no gaming rights and federal funding for the tribes, who were not able to take advantage of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, a federal gaming law passed in 1988 that allows tribes to conduct casino-style gaming on their lands.

Maine Legal Online Sports Betting Tax Rate

The tribes will pay a tax rate of 10% on gaming revenue and $200,000 every four years for license renewal. Both figures are well below the average in states that offer legal sports betting. In-person retail licenses will cost only $4,000.

Who Regulates Maine Sports Betting Sites?

The Maine Gambling Control Board will oversee and regulate sports betting and sports bettors in the state and is authorized to issue all mobile and retail wagering licenses.

Maine Sports Team Partners

Maine does not have any pro sports team partnerships, though several teams in the nearby Boston market have partnerships.

DraftKings, which is headquartered in Boston, is the official daily fantasy sports provider of the Boston Red Sox, Boston Celtics and Boston Bruins. DraftKings will also become the official sports betting partner of the Bruins, contingent on Massachusetts passing a sports betting law..

Esports Entertainment Group is the sponsor of electronic sports tournaments for the New England Patriots (NFL) and New England Revolution (MLS).

Deposit and Withdraw from Maine Sports Betting Sites

Maine sportsbooks will offer a variety of deposit and withdrawal options at legal sportsbooks in Maine. The most popular deposit choices are credit/debit card, E-wallet such as PayPal, online banking and PayNearMe. Most of these deposit methods will safely transfer funds to your online sports betting account in seconds.

Withdrawals are generally processed after a 24 or 48-hour approval period and can be received electronically or via paper check.

How Maine Sports Betting Compares to the Other Legal States

Maine's sports betting bill has a unique arrangement, with the tribes in control of online sports betting and the casinos/off-track betting facilities limited to in-person betting.

A maximum of four online casinos will provide limited competition, but it’s still a more favorable model for bettors than neighboring New Hampshire, which allows only a single operator (DraftKings). Maine could be similar to Connecticut, which only offers three mobile sports betting options (two through the Native American tribes and one through the state lottery). 

Some competition is better than none. But the main beneficiary will be the tribes, whose economies have suffered from exclusion of the protections guaranteed by the Indian Regulatory Gaming Act.

Retail Sports Betting vs Mobile Sports Betting

Whether you prefer to wager on sports online or in person at a casino sportsbook is a personal choice. Mobile sports betting dominates the market and provides a level of convenience with 24/7 access to Maine sports wagering sites from your smartphone or home computer.

Mobile sports betting also allows bettors to take advantage of bonus offers that are not available at in-person sportsbooks, and to simultaneously compare betting betting lines at multiple sites.

Maine Legal Sports Betting Legislation Timeline

May 2022: Governor Janet Mills signs LD585, which legalizes sports betting in Maine under the control of the state's four Native American tribes. In-person betting will be allowed at racetracks and casinos.

April 2022: Maine Senate and House pass bill that legalizes sports betting and gives tribes mobile wagering exclusivity. In-person wagering is permitted at state’s two casinos and off-track betting locations. Legislation is sent to Gov. Janet Mills for signature.

2021: Maine lawmakers pass separate sports betting bills, but legislation remains on Appropriations Table as session expires.

2020: Governor Janet Mills vetoes mobile and in-person sports betting legislation, saying the subject requires further study. Maine Senate votes to override veto, but House does not.

Responsible Maine Sports Betting

Maine’s sports betting bill includes an exclusion provision in which bettors can voluntarily sign up and request exclusion from mobile and in-person sports betting. The Maine Gambling Addiction Treatment Network and Maine Council on Problem Gambling provide free resources and assistance.

Where To Bet in Maine Now

Maine has a pair of existing casinos:

* Hollywood Casino, Bangor

* Oxford Casino, Oxford

The state also has a live harness racing track in Bangor, a simulcast racing facility in Scarborough and four off-track betting locations in Lewiston, Brunswick, Sanford and Waterville.

 

Maine Sports Betting FAQ

Is sports betting legal in Maine?

Yes, sports betting is legal in Maine now that Gov. Janet Mills signed LD 585 in early May. The bill, passed by state lawmakers in April 2022, provides for online and retail sports wagering in Maine. The online portion of sports betting will be run by the state's four Native American tribes, while in-person betting will be permitted at racetracks and casinos. A launch date will be November 3rd.

How old do I need to be to bet on sports in Maine?

Bettors must be 21 or older to participate in Maine sports wagering.

What is the sports betting tax rate in Maine ?

Sports betting revenue would be subject to a 10% tax rate.

Where can I bet at Maine sportsbooks?

When Maine sports betting launches, in-person wagering will be available at Hollywood Casino Bangor and Oxford Casino, and at the state’s off-track betting facilities.

Will I need to be a Maine resident to bet online?

There is no residency requirement and an account can be set up from anywhere. But you must be physically located in the state of Maine when placing a wager.

Who can offer Maine sports betting?

The state’s four federally recognized tribes can partner with one online operator each (such as FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, etc.) to offer online wagering. The state’s two casinos and all six of its off-track betting parlors can apply for a license to offer in-person sports betting.

When will online sports betting launch in Maine?

Maine sports betting starts November 3rd. The state will be required to write sports betting rules, regulations and outline a license application process.

About the Author

Chet Fussman for Bookies.com
Chet Fussman
Chet Fussman, a former horse racing writer and longtime sports editor of the Florida Times-Union in Jacksonville, is a poker and blackjack player and frequent sports bettor.