Maine Sports Betting
- Sports betting remains illegal, with the exception of off shore online sports betting sites.
- There is a sliver of hope that a compromise will be found between lawmakers and Gov. Janet Mills
- Slow and steady is the pace in this State.
Top 3 Maine Sportsbook Online
Early 2020, Gov. Janet Mills torpedoed the hopes of a fast track to legalizing onshore sports betting by vetoing the Bill that had passed legislators and through to her hands.
Her reasoning was concerns that there wasn’t enough protection and support for the young and the vulnerable. Though she accept that there is a need to drive out sports betting from black markets and unregulated environments. This did not warrant a go fast approach.
There is still hope that the bill does not need to be completely scrapped and all needs to return to square one, which would be the most lengthy option. Rather, an amendment to the current proposed bill could be negotiated.
Who will be able to offer sports betting if the bill is passed?
As it stands, if the bill is re filed, and it succeeds, the existing two casinos and four native American casinos will be permitted to apply for sportsbook licenses. The license will be issue by the Maine Gaming Commission and Maine Lottery.
Maine Online Sports Betting
Unbeknownst to many, online sports betting has been occurring for many years. Maine sports betting turnover for 2019 was $61 million, wagered via online sport betting sites. These online sport betting sites are offshore and are open accept US players.
Is this illegal?
It is a gray area. The current state laws do not clearly articulate whether gambling offshore online is illegal or not. Therefore, you will find many online sports books (and online casinos) accepting US players from states that have ambiguous gambling laws – Maine is one of those states.
Is it dangerous?
There are two aspects to this question.
Firstly, will you get caught or fined?
I highly doubt it. Till this day, there has been no precedence of anyone being charged with breaking the law for playing at offshore online sports betting books or offshore online casinos.
Secondly, are offshore sports betting books trustworthy and reliable?
Very much so. They have been operating in the market for many years and sports betting is a clear cut outcome (when compared to online casino games). It’s therefore extremely difficult to argue that an outcome of a sports bet is wrong.
How can I find an online Sports Book?
The most popular offshore sports book is Bovada. It is the largest and has a long standing history of operating a sports book for US citizens.
Do NOT place a bet at an unlicensed sports book operating offshore. Unlicensed sportsbooks may not be reliable. Although they may offer great Welcome Bonuses, their promise to pay any winnings may be empty. Keep with the which are trusted and the big brand names.
How can I place a Sports Bet onshore?
It is illegal to run a sports book or place a sports bet within the borders of Maine. Other than placing a sports bet at an offshore online sports book the only other option is to travel interstate to New Hampshire where sports betting has been legalized.
Popular Sport Bets in Maine
Sport bets wagering in Maine is extremely low in comparison to amounts wagered at the two commercial and four native American casinos.
At only $4m for 2019 and same for 2020, it’s hard to argue that there is a huge issue with an unregulated market. I mean, just look at the amount wagered at casinos – $1.1 billion in turnover!
| US$m | 2019 | 2020e |
| Casino Betting | 1,151 | 1,185 |
| State Lottery | 293 | 308 |
| Horse Race Betting | 24 | 24 |
| Â (*) Sports Betting | 4 | 4 |
| Â Casino – Offshore | 3 | 3 |
| Â Poker – Offshore | 1 | 1 |
| Â Bingo/Other – Offshore | 0 | 0 |
(*) Sports betting on offshore online sites that accept US Players.
Unfortunately, there are no local professional sports team form the major leagues in Maine. But, there those surveyed by the American Gaming Association, showed that over 15% would be willing to place a sports bet on an NFL game if the opportunity arose.
- NBA Maine has no NBA basketball teams.
- MLB Maine has no Major League Baseball teams.
- NFL Maine has no NFL teams.
- NHL Maine has no NHL ice hockey teams.
