Table of Contents
Short Answer
Yes, sports betting is legal in Maine. State law was enacted in 2022 and launched in November 2023, allowing online and retail wagering with key rules on age, college betting restrictions, licensing, and tribal partnerships [1] [4] .
What’s Legal in Maine Right Now
Maine authorized both online and in-person sports betting, with the market going live on November 3, 2023. Two major online sportsbooks-DraftKings and Caesars-launched on day one and continue to operate under state oversight. Online wagering is limited to platforms that partner with the state’s federally recognized tribes, reflecting how the law allocates online rights. The required minimum age to bet is 21, and bettors must be physically located within Maine state lines when placing wagers [4] [1] .
Key Rules You Need to Know
Under the law (LD 585), online sports betting licenses are tied to Maine’s Wabanaki Nations: the Penobscot, Passamaquoddy, Micmac, and Maliseet. Each tribe can partner with one commercial sportsbook provider, effectively capping the number of online brands at four unless the law changes. Taxes are set at 10% of gaming revenue for licensees. Retail sports betting is permitted at in-state casinos and certain off-track betting (OTB) venues, though retail licenses cover in-person betting only. A notable restriction is that wagering on in-state college teams is prohibited, a common rule in some states. The legal betting age is 21, and geolocation technology is used to verify you are physically in Maine when you place a wager [1] [2] .
Who Regulates Sports Betting in Maine
The Maine Gambling Control Unit (GCU) regulates sports wagering, issuing licenses, enforcing rules, and monitoring operators. The agency finalized rules prior to the 2023 launch, and continues to publish handle and revenue updates. For official information, you can search for the Maine Gambling Control Unit by name on the State of Maine’s official portals if you need regulatory details, application procedures, or consumer resources [2] [4] .
How to Get Started: Step-by-Step
- Confirm eligibility : Ensure you are 21 or older and physically located in Maine when you plan to place wagers. Operators will verify age and use geolocation; you can sign up from anywhere, but bets must be placed while in Maine [1] [2] .
- Choose a licensed operator : As of the launch, DraftKings and Caesars are live in Maine through tribal partnerships. You can download their official apps from recognized app stores or visit their official websites to create an account [4] .
- Register an account : Provide personal details for identity verification (name, date of birth, last four digits of SSN may be requested). This helps operators comply with Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements. Remote registration is supported, enabling you to complete sign-up offsite and place bets once you are in Maine [1] .
- Enable geolocation : Allow the app to confirm your device location within state borders. Desktop users may need a location plugin. Without geolocation confirmation, the app will not accept wagers [2] .
- Fund your account : Use available payment methods such as debit cards, online banking, and other commonly offered options. Availability can vary by operator and may change; check your chosen operator’s cashier section for specifics [2] .
- Place bets responsibly : Focus on allowed markets (no bets on in-state college teams). Explore straight bets, totals, parlays, and live betting. Set deposit, time, and wager limits using the responsible gaming tools provided by each operator [2] [1] .
Where You Can Bet: Online and Retail Options
Online : Licensed online sportsbooks are available statewide through authorized tribal partnerships. Two large brands-DraftKings and Caesars-are currently live and continue to accept wagers. Additional online options may be possible if more tribal partnerships come online, consistent with the law’s framework allowing up to four online brands. Always verify you’re using a licensed operator that is active in Maine before depositing or wagering [4] [1] .
Retail : In-person wagering is permitted at Maine’s two casinos and eligible OTB facilities subject to licensing. Retail licenses cover physical sportsbook betting and renew at a lower fee compared to online licenses. If you prefer the in-person experience-such as watching games on-site and placing tickets at a counter-verify hours and available bet types directly with the venue prior to visiting [1] .
What You Can and Can’t Bet On
Permitted : Most professional sports and many college events not involving in-state college teams are available, including NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and major college contests. Live, pre-game, and futures markets are commonly offered. Operators may provide specials around big events like the Super Bowl or March basketball tournaments, subject to state rules [2] .
Source: rappler.com
Prohibited : Betting on in-state college teams is not allowed. Operators enforce this restriction at the market level, removing or blocking Maine team events from bet menus. If you see a market you believe violates this rule, you can contact the operator’s support to clarify or report it [1] [2] .
Licensing, Ownership, and Market Structure
Maine’s model grants online market control to the Wabanaki Nations, with each tribe able to select one commercial sportsbook partner. This design concentrates online market entries and aligns economic benefits with tribal nations. License renewal costs are significant for online operations-$200,000 every four years for the tribes, plus $40,000 from the commercial partners-while retail renewal fees are lower ($4,000 every four years). The state applies a 10% tax on gaming revenue. These parameters aim to balance market access, oversight, and state revenue while ensuring local stakeholder participation [1] .
Practical Examples and Tips
Example 1: Visiting family in Maine . You can register for a Maine-licensed sportsbook account while out of state. Once you arrive in Portland or Bangor, open the app, allow geolocation, and place your wagers. If you return to another state, you can still view your account and banking but won’t be able to place bets until you’re back in Maine [2] .
Example 2: College sports weekend . You can bet on out-of-state college games, such as a national matchup, but not on Maine-based college teams. If you’re unsure, search the event in the app; if it’s not listed, the prohibition may apply. Consider betting on professional leagues that weekend instead [1] .
Source: amhgdbjaiyc.blogspot.com
Example 3: Preferring retail betting . If you want to enjoy the atmosphere of a physical book, plan an in-person visit to a licensed casino or OTB. Bring valid ID to verify you are 21+. Call ahead to confirm hours, available markets, and whether kiosks are operating so you can avoid lines on game day [1] .
Responsible Gaming Resources
Maine-licensed operators offer account-level tools such as deposit limits, cooling-off periods, and self-exclusion. You can also look up national hotlines and state resources if you need support. If you prefer official guidance, search for the Maine Gambling Control Unit’s responsible gaming resources by name, and consider contacting operator customer support for immediate help. Many sportsbooks display “21+ Gambling Problem?” messages and provide contact options directly in-app [4] .
Common Questions
When did sports betting become legal? The governor signed the law in 2022, and the market launched on November 3, 2023 [1] [2] .
Who can offer online betting? Maine’s tribes hold the online rights and can partner with one commercial operator each, allowing up to four online sportsbooks under current law [1] .
Is betting on Maine college teams allowed? No, wagering on in-state college teams is prohibited [1] [2] .
Which brands are live? DraftKings and Caesars launched on November 3, 2023, and are active in the state through approved partnerships [4] .
How to Stay Compliant and Safe
– Always use Maine-licensed operators and verify that the app is officially available in Maine. – Keep geolocation on while wagering in-state. – Use responsible gaming tools and set personal limits. – Remember that availability of promotions, markets, and features can change; review terms in-app before opting in. – If you see something that appears non-compliant, contact the operator or search for the Maine Gambling Control Unit to learn how to submit a complaint [2] [4] .
References
[1] Sports Handle (2025). Maine Sports Betting – Legal progress, law details, and launch timeline. [2] Sportsbook Review (2025). Maine Sports Betting: Best Sportsbooks, Sites & Apps in 2025. [3] Legal Sports Report (2024-2025). Maine sports betting: Legal status, launches, and updates.