Overview of Maine Sports Betting: No Legal Sportsbooks
This guide will provide you with the details on Maine sports betting laws. It reviews the current legal situation in the state, pending legislation, past legalization attempts, and future outlook. Currently, the legislative push for legalization is in its final steps. Until then, sports betting is illegal in Maine.
- This Site Contains:
- Current legal status of sports betting in Maine
- Current push for legalization in Maine
- Future outlook of sports betting in Maine
Maine is one of the more gambling-friendly states in the country. Despite this, it has taken them a while to start the legislative process towards sports wagering legalization. Opposing views have mostly comprised of local land-based casinos’ commercial interests and a wary attitude towards the ubiquitous nature of online wagering.
Despite this, pushes have continued consistently. Bills have undergone amendments. Some have fallen off the radar. Others have been merged. Until today, when a single bill is awaiting a final decision from the Governor. Read the full article to learn everything about the current legal situation in Maine.
Current Legal Landscape for Online Sports Betting Maine
Maine punters are a few short steps away from being able to wager on their favorite sports. While not there yet, it’s a distinct possibility in the near future. Currently, betting on sports is illegal, but serious legislative steps in the chambers are about to bear fruit. Soon, online sports betting Maine will brace the Pine Tree State.
Legal Forms of Gambling in Maine
The absence of legal Maine sportsbooks doesn’t leave residents without entertainment options. Maine’s attitude shift from anti-gambling to gambling-tolerant has resulted in plenty of permitted gambling forms, which include land-based casino gaming, Daily Fantasy, live and simulcast wagering, lottery, and charitable gaming. In the paragraphs below, you’ll find additional information on each legal gambling form.
Brick-and-Mortar Casinos in Maine
Despite a relatively conservative stance towards Maine betting sites, Maine is one of the 18 states with legalized land-based casino gaming. Currently, the Pine Tree State hosts two casinos/racinos. In 2003, racetracks were permitted to house slots machines on their premises. In 2010, racinos legally added casino table games to the fold.
Daily Fantasy Details
Daily Fantasy is an online fantasy sports game, where users construct a team from the names of real players. Each sports player from the pool has a price and can be purchased based on a salary cap. Better players cost more. Users square off against each other and rank according to points earned based on the real performance of the sports players.
Daily Fantasy is a decent alternative to sports gambling Maine. It is fully legalized and regulated thanks to Bill LD 1320, which received approval in both chambers in August 2021. Governor Paul LePage had previously shown strong opposition against potential gambling expansion but did not veto the legalization of Daily Fantasy.
Horse Racing Scene in Maine
Both live harness and simulcast horse racing wagering are legal in Maine. The well-developed industry is subject to licensing and regulation by the Maine State Harness Racing Commission. Greyhound racing, however, is not permitted, and violators may be held liable with fines up to $7,500. It was outlawed in 1993.
Punters in Maine can place wagers in two ways. They can either visit the off-track betting facilities or wager online from the websites of the main providers in the state. The legalization of online horse wagering, which the Main Gaming Control Board approved in 2020, is seen as a step towards the legalization of sports betting online.
Legal Status of Poker in Maine
Poker tables are available at either of the two licensed Maine casinos, in Bangor and Oxford. However, the state has not clearly outlined the legal frame for online poker. While Maine punters have access to online poker providers, it is safer to avoid them, as they aren’t licensed and regulated.
| Betting Type | Legal | Regulatory Body |
|---|---|---|
| 🏈 Online Sports Betting | No | None |
| 🎰 Online Casinos | No | None |
| ⚾ Daily Fantasy Sports | Yes | Maine Gambling Control Unit |
| 🏢 Land-Based Casinos | Yes | Maine Gambling Control Unit |
| 🏨 Land-Based Sportsbooks | No | None |
| 🃏 Poker Rooms | No | None |
| 🏇 Racetrack Betting | Yes | Harness Racing Commission |
| 🎫 State-Sponsored Lottery | Yes | The Bureau of Alcoholic Beverages and Lottery Operations |
Legal Status of Offshore Bookmakers in Maine
Offshore bookies are operating in Maine. It is important to remember that even though these providers might have international gambling licenses, they are still illegal under current Maine laws. Punters who wager there risk getting fined or worse, being sued under criminal law. So, it is best to avoid them and only play at licensed bookmakers.
Pending Bills regarding Maine Sportsbooks
The current bill that offers the best chance of legalization for Maine sports betting is LD 1352, with lead sponsor Dem. Senator Louie Luchini. The bill passed both chambers and was sent to the Appropriations Table in June 2021, where it awaits the decision of Maine’s Governor Janet Mills. As of now, it is unclear how things will unfold.
Gov. Mills had already vetoed a bill proposing sports betting before this, stating that Maine residents were not ready for it. But with New Hampshire having enacted a similar bill into law, Maine may be pressured to legalize this new gambling form to avoid revenue leaking into their neighbouring state.
Past Legalization Attempts
The main champion of past attempts of legalization for online sports betting Maine was Sen. Louis Luchini, who stepped down to start a new job at U.S Small Business Administration. Following the overturning of PASPA, Luchini pushed the non-tethering model of sports betting in 2019, but his bill failed at the last minute after a veto from the governor.
Besides discussion on legal Maine sportsbooks, another key moment in Maine gambling history occurred in June 2021, when a bill proposing the legalization of tribal casinos passed both chambers. This was a landmark win for the Native Indian tribes in Maine, as all their previous efforts up until that moment had failed. The new law allowed up to four tribal casinos to be built.
Current Legal Situation
As mentioned above, Bill LD 1352 has so far spent six months on the Appropriations Table, which is a kind of a legislative gateway on its way to the Governor’s desk. Recent reports describe the situation as ‘very quiet’. It’s hard to say when or what will shake the stalemate free.
This year’s Maine legislative session started on January 5 and, judging by recent news, the Maine administration is head-on engaged with the current pandemic and its economic ramifications. Still, the session stretches to the end of March, so, there’s time for things to unfold. Who knows, 2022 may be the year local punters are treated to legal Maine betting sites.
- Increased tax revenue
- More jobs in Maine
- Safer betting environment
- Potential regulatory issues
- Potential for increases in gambling addiction
- Won’t eliminate scam betting sites
Despite the recent withdrawal of the lead sponsor of Bill LP 1352, Louis Luchini, the goals remain the same: to boost state income and create a safe environment to bet and work in. Stalling factors, however, include the potential increase of gambling addiction problems and the unaddressed presence of scam sites.
Outlook for Pending Sports Betting Bill
Signs are positive. The only thing standing in the way of legalized sports betting is the signature of the Governor of Maine. Although Main sports betting legalization raises the same concerns as with other states – namely the detrimental effect of local communities – several amendments have been made to address these concerns.
Also, the two main commercial casinos seem to be onboard, as the bill that awaits signature supports the tethering model. They exert a great influence on Maine lawmakers through their lobby. There’s also an idea floating around that Maine should hurry up and adopt sports betting to compete for the revenue share with New Hampshire.
How Would Sports Betting Look Like in Maine
In states where sports betting is legalized, the government issues a limited number of licenses to selected providers and regulates their activity to ensure that punters are offered a fair and secure service. A single regulator is usually assigned with duties to oversee the whole process and make sure it stays within the legal framework.
Contents of the bill currently sitting in the governor’s office propose the Gambling Control Unit as a regulator for online sports betting Maine. While chances are good the bill would be enacted into law, it’s best to wait and see what happens. We’ll update you once we find out who will be assigned regulatory powers for the new sector.
As with everything else, future sports betting venues in Maine will need to be taxed. On top of the federal flat rate of 24%, the state of Maine will require retail sportsbooks to pay 10% and mobile and internet operators – 16%. That totals to 34% for retail and 40% for mobile and internet platforms.
Maine punters will also have to pay tax for their winnings. To do this, they would have to use the W2-G form. The W2-G form is usually sent to you by the gaming venue every January if you’ve claimed winnings in the previous year. There is a certain lower limit that doesn’t require you to pay taxes.
Final Thoughts on the Potential Legalization of Sports Betting in ME
The fact the bill has not been rejected for six months hints positively at Gov. Mills’ change of attitude from two years ago when she rejected a similar bill. We could venture to speculate that she is biding her time until ‘the public’ is ready. We’ll keep you up to date.
Differences Between Online and In-Person Betting
As both online and land-based sports wagering are geared for legalization, a brief comparison will be helpful to Maine punters. The two formats appeal to different audiences, and you would have to choose the one that suits you best. Below, we’ll point out the main differences between the two.
The main advantage of online wagering is that it eliminates the need to travel. You’ll be able to access Maine betting sites from your home computer or laptop. However, be warned that easy access can be a double-edged sword. You’ll need to control how often you play at sports betting sites to avoid needless losses.
Online betting is also more diverse than land-based. The most common bets at in-person venues are straight wagers like the moneyline, totals, and spread. Online bookmakers build on the main package with futures, parlays, accumulators, parlays, and others. As a consequence, the variety of bonuses is richer.
Land-based venues usually have less international markets. At online sports betting sites, you’ll usually find the latest happenings in the world of Soccer, Ice Hockey, Tennis, Rugby, Basketball, and Volleyball from Europe, Asia, and South America, in addition to all the major leagues in the USA. This means you’ll have the chance to place bets 24/7.
Online betting also gives an entirely new meaning to line shopping. While land-based line shopping is related to a lot of travelling and expenses, a quick internet search will yield all legal options in Maine once sportsbooks get legalized. Thus, you can choose to play at platforms that take the least juice for themselves.
In contrast to the ‘concrete’ nuance of land-based sports gambling Maine, online sports gambling is constantly developing. As a result, they offer more betting tools to the bettor. These are just a few of the advantages of online betting. Still, land-based gambling shouldn’t be discarded entirely. Below, we’ll list some of its pros.
Anyone who’s been inside a grand in-person betting venue will confirm that it has unique charm. The atmosphere predisposes betting: comfortable lounges, individual booths, screens everywhere, food and drinks nearby, and the chance to exchange ideas and socialize with other bettors. This is not available with online sports wagering.
Some punters consider the hand-to-hand transactions of land-based casinos to be safer, and they have a point. Cash is always better, as the transactions cut out the middle man – for example, e-wallets. While in-person venues come nowhere near online platforms with the variety of payments, the major options are convenient – cash and cards.
The instant payments are another advantage of land-based establishments. While you’ll have to wait up to 48 hours with online sportsbooks, you can collect your winnings in cash as your bet comes out correct. Of course, this is valid for cash payments. In the event of a credit or debit card transaction, it may take up to 24 hours.
High-rollers will find a more suitable environment inside a land-based sportsbook. This form of sports betting is usually characterized by looser wagering limits. If at online bookies, the limit for a single wager is $100-$300, at in-person establishments, it may reach $2000-$3000 per bet. Real thrill-seekers don’t mind spending a few bugs to travel to the source of such thrills.
Last but not least, a bank account is not needed at in-person venues. The cash option is always on the table. This increases your privacy further. If you don’t look too young, it’s unlikely anyone would ask you to provide proof of identity and age. Many punters prefer brick-and-mortar venues because of this.
Ultimately, the decision will depend on your taste. While online platforms are gaining traction among punters, we understand that some will choose land-based every time. The good news is that both forms of gambling seem close to getting legalized in Maine. And who’s to say that you can’t try both?
Gambling History in Maine
The Gambling Control Unit is burdened with the task of supporting a governor-appointed Gambling Control Board, which, in turn, oversees the land-based casino industry in Maine. The Control Unit’s focus is on regulating charitable gaming, while the Board deals with the operations of the two licensed casinos.
The two other regulatory bodies in Maine are the Harness Racing Commission and The Bureau of Lottery Operations. Following legalization, Maine sports betting is likely to be taken on by the Gambling Control Board. This is not yet final. We will update this article once we learn the outcome of the legalization push.
SCOTUS’ overturning of PASPA 1992 paved the ground for sports betting to spread throughout the USA. Since 2018, around 33 states have crossed the bridge to have legal sportsbooks. Although progress has been slower in the Pine Tree State, the push is in its final stages. We expect Maine to adopt legal sports wagering in 2022 or 2023.
Licensing Information
Licensing bodies make sure sportsbooks operations stay within the lines of existing laws in a state. They issue licenses according to accepted requirements, regulate operators, and investigate any gambling-related incidents. Once legalized, online sports betting Maine will be controlled by a licensing body in the Pine Tree State.
The bill closest to being enacted into law proposes the Gambling Control Unit as the main regulator for sports betting. That includes in-person, online, and mobile. Should the bill get approved by the Governor, the predicted parameters for a license are a two-year duration and a fee of $2,000. For mobile operators, the fee is $20,000.
Here, we remind you to be careful where you choose to play. It is best to play at licensed Maine sportsbooks. Anything else would be risky. Regulated platforms will give you peace of mind in terms of security and legal protection. Unfortunately, you will have to wait a short while to get legal sportsbooks in Maine.
Black-market websites are operating within the borders of Maine. These betting sites may, or may not, be licensed by international regulators. Whichever the case, the UIGEA legislature predicts severe punishment of up to three years in prison and/or fines for punters who are caught playing on such sites.
Blacklisted Betting Sites in Maine
Currently, all sports betting sites in Maine are illegal. After legalization, those without a license from the Gambling Control Unit will also be considered illegal. This means that they won’t be directly regulated and may be unsafe to use. We advise our readers to play on the safe side and play at licensed sportsbooks.
There are several things to look out for to check whether a black-market bookie is a scam. If the welcome bonus is too good, be wary. Check the history of the operator and read reviews. If you can, stay away from them and remember that UIGEA is active in Maine.
Black-market sites, especially unlicensed ones, may collect and trade your personal info for profit. They could sell to other companies, and you may end up being a victim of identity theft. Usually, these sites don’t have SSL protection and have really bad reviews on user-based reviewer sites.
Also, at illegal online betting sites in Maine, you won’t have a legal response option if you and the operator have a dispute. If they refuse to pay your winnings, for example, you won’t be able to sue them via standard Maine channels. To cap it, avoid the black market and only play at licensed sportsbooks.
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To Conclude: Maine Sports Betting is Still Illegal
We covered the legal sports betting situation in Maine. At present moment, sports betting is illegal, but a bill has passed both chambers and is awaiting a final decision by the Governor of The Pine Tree State. Maine sports betting seems close to becoming a reality. It’s just a matter of time.
The name of the bill, if you want to follow it, is LD 1352. You can find a direct link to it further up this article. The current – and best – legislature is the result of several previous attempts, one of which reached the Governor but was vetoed and returned to the drawing board.
Currently, several gambling forms are legal in Maine: Daily Fantasy, charitable gaming, land-based casino gaming, and a state lottery. There are also several black-market sites with online sports betting Maine accessible. However, we strongly advise our readers to avoid the platforms, as they may be unsafe. We’ll update this article as soon as hear about a new development.
Frequently Asked Questions
We crammed as much verified information about the legal Maine sports betting situation as possible in this article. Everything you see in this guide is from official sources or is double-checked. As the situation is still developing, we will update this article in the future. Below, you’ll find instructive answers. Send us an email if you want to learn more.