Maine Gets Ready to Bet on Sports (But Not Quite Yet)
Maine made a splash in 2022 by legalizing sports betting, a first for New England! Here’s the scoop:
The Green Light is On (Eventually): In April 2022, Governor Janet Mills signed a bill legalizing sports betting. However, there’s still some waiting involved before you can place your bets.
Tribal Teams Take the Lead: Maine’s unique approach allows the state’s tribes to partner with commercial operators to offer online sports betting. This could bring up to four mobile sportsbooks to the state.
Casinos Get in on the Action Too: Two existing casinos, Hollywood Casino Hotel & Raceway and Oxford Casino Hotel, can apply for licenses for in-person sports betting.
Maine Makes a Move: Legal sports betting puts Maine ahead of its New England neighbors, Massachusetts and Vermont.
When Can You Start Betting? The earliest launch date is likely sometime in summer 2023. Setting up the industry takes time to ensure everything runs smoothly.
More Choices, More Fun: With potentially four online sportsbooks and ten in-person betting options, Maine is creating a diverse sports betting market.
The Upside of Legal Betting: Online sports betting could launch as early as November 2023, offering convenient wagering from your phone. Plus, sports betting revenue can benefit the state through funding programs and creating jobs.
Get Ready for the Game! While there’s a wait, Maine’s legalized sports betting is a historic moment. This new way to enjoy sports will be here soon, offering both online and in-person options.
Maine Sports Betting FAQs
Yes, sports betting became legal in Maine in August 2022, but actual betting activities are expected to commence in January 2024.
Maine’s four federally recognized tribes have the opportunity to operate one online sportsbook each. Other operators, such as Caesars, have also expressed interest, but the full list of operators remains uncertain.
The launch date for online sports betting in Maine is still uncertain. It depends on the finalization of regulations and the approval of compacts with the tribes. Delays are possible if the regulatory process takes longer than expected.
Maine’s law requires the state to negotiate compacts with each federally recognized tribe before sports betting can start. Additionally, the Maine Gaming Control Unit is developing a competitive licensing process for online sportsbooks to operate in the state.
The current situation is a work in progress. While the law has been enacted, the actual start of betting has been delayed. The involvement of tribes and ongoing regulatory work make it difficult to predict the exact launch date and operator roster. Sports betting enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting further developments.
