Maine Online Gambling
A variety of legal gambling opportunities are available for both locals and tourists in Maine. Pine Tree State gambling enthusiasts can try their luck at land-based casinos, online and retail sports betting, Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS), horse racing, the lottery, and charitable gambling.
Maine online casinos and online poker have yet to receive the green light. But, that said, the Maine legislature is considering an online gambling bill (LD 1777) that would pave the way for regulated ME online casino gambling. So, Maine online casinos could soon be a reality!
In the meantime, there are still enough opportunities for you to satisfy your gambling cravings in the Pine Tree State, with several legal gambling verticals available. With our expert guide, you can uncover everything you need to know about the state’s gambling history and the available legal options. We also introduce the best Maine online gambling operators to help you find somewhere to play.
Best Maine Gambling Sites
While Maine has yet to legalize real money online casinos, there are still a variety of online gambling options available that you can enjoy from the comfort of your own home. Options include sports betting, DFS, and sweepstakes casinos.
To help you get started, we’ve compiled a carefully curated list of the best Maine online gambling sites. We leave no stone unturned in our in-depth reviews, meaning the sites you see here are the best of the best. Whether you’re a seasoned gambler or just looking to try something new, there’s something for everyone on our list.
Is Online Gambling Legal in Maine?
While not every type of online gambling has been given the go-ahead in Maine, sports fans are in luck. The state launched online sports betting in November 2023, over a year after Governor Janet Mills signed the Maine sports betting bill LD 585 into law. You can visit online sportsbooks like Caesars and DraftKings and place real money wagers on popular sporting events like the NFL, NBA, and MLB. DraftKings also offers real-money DFS contests if that’s something you’re interested in!
If you’re looking to try your luck on a real money online slot, sadly, Maine isn’t the place to do so. Legal Maine online casinos and online poker aren’t yet available. However, to get your online slot or table game fix, why not try social and sweepstakes casinos? Since you play using virtual currency instead of your hard-earned cash, these sites aren’t technically classed as ‘gambling’. Therefore, you can pick up virtual coin bundles and play exciting games for free.
Maine Gambling History
Like many other states in the US, Maine has a long history of gambling. The earliest accounts of Maine gambling in the state date back to 1829, with a man named Eben Carlton reportedly betting on horses. Card games were also popular among the locals during this time. However, it wasn’t until 1935 that the state law officially recognized gambling with the legalization of parimutuel betting.
Over the years, several bills have passed in Maine, altering the legal gambling landscape available in the state, both in-person and online. Today, Maine offers various legal gambling verticals to its residents and visitors, including land-based table games, slot machines, horse racing, and sports betting. The state has yet to legalize online casinos, but Maine is one of 44 states that do not allow iGaming. Our timeline below summarizes the key events that have shaped Maine’s gambling history.
- 1935 – Maine legalizes parimutuel betting on horse races.
- 1950 – The Scarborough Downs racetrack becomes the first to open in the state.
- 1973 – In a public referendum, Maine residents approve a state lottery.
- 1974 – The Maine State Lottery opens for business with a weekly “Play Me” draw. Profits provide services for state citizens through the state’s general fund.
- 1975 – Charitable gambling becomes legal in Maine, allowing charitable organizations to conduct bingo and raffles for fundraising purposes.
- 1985 – Maine, Vermont, and New Hampshire join forces to create the first multi-jurisdictional lottery, the Tri-State Lottery, overseen by the New Hampshire Lottery Commission.
- 2003 – 53% of Maine voters legalize slot machines at racing tracks, transforming them into “racinos”.
- 2005 – Hollywood Casino in Bangor opens, offering slot machines and electronic table games.
- 2010 – Maine Voters approve a ballot measure to establish up to two land-based casinos in the state. The measure also permitted table games and poker at these casinos.
- 2012 – The 17,000-square-foot Oxford Casino in Oxford opens, becoming the state’s second land-based casino.
- 2017 – LD 1320 passes and Maine becomes the 15th state to offer legal and regulated DFS. In the same year, Maine voters rejected a third casino proposal.
- May 2, 2022 – Governor Janet Mills signs LD 585 into law, authorizing mobile and retail sports betting in Maine.
- November 3, 2023 – Legalized online and retail sports betting launch in Maine. Caesars and DraftKings launch online.
Legal Gambling Options in Maine
Maine residents and visitors have a nice selection of legal gambling options, just missing online casinos and online poker. Since the enactment of LD 585 in November 2023, sports wagering has quickly gained popularity in Maine. Mainers wagered almost $43 million through DraftKings and Caesars in the first month of legal bets alone.
Check out the table below to learn about the legal betting options available in Maine and when they became legal.
| Type of Gambling | Legal? | When Legalized? |
| Online Casinos | No | N/A |
| Land-Based Casinos | Yes | 2003 |
| Online Poker | No | N/A |
| Land-Based Poker | Yes | 2003 |
| Online Sports Betting | Yes | 2022 |
| Retail Sports Betting | Yes | 2022 |
| Daily Fantasy Sports | Yes | 2017 |
| Horse Racing | Yes | 1935 |
| Lottery | Yes | 1973 |
| Charitable Gambling | Yes | 1975 |
Sports Betting
Both online and retail sports betting are legal in Maine and have been since Governor Janet Mills signed LD 585 into law in 2022, despite rejecting a similar bill in 2019. This bill gave Maine’s Native American tribes control over mobile sports betting.
While Mainers have access to only two online sportsbooks, these platforms rank among the best in the industry. Caesars Sportsbook and DraftKings betting apps both opened for betting on November 3, 2023. Despite the availability of ten licenses for retail sports betting, no retail sportsbooks have opened yet. We’ll likely see these at Hollywood Casino and Oxford Casino when they launch.
Online Casino
Following the successful launch of online sports betting in 2023, state legislators in Maine are discussing online casino legalization. Rep. Laura Supica has filed LD 1777, which proposes the allowance of online casino gaming on an exclusive basis by tribal nations, similar to the sports betting markets. If approved, the bill would permit four tribes to offer online casino and poker games.
Could this mean that Maine will see legal online casino gambling in 2024? It’s possible. In the meantime, Mainers looking to play casino games like slots, blackjack, and roulette online will have to visit a social or sweepstakes casino site.
Poker
To play poker in Maine, you’ll want to visit the state’s only licensed poker room at the Hollywood Casino. Oxford Casino doesn’t have a poker room, but it does have a video poker bar with 87 poker games.
There are no legal real-money online poker options available in the state. However, this may change in the future, as the legalization of online casinos is under discussion in the state. If and when Maine online casinos become legal, it is likely that online poker will appear as well.
Daily Fantasy Sports
Maine legalized DFS in August 2017, making it the 15th state to do so and the 5th state that year. Governor Paul LePage had the choice to sign the bill, but he refused. However, he did not exercise his power to veto the bill. As a result of the Governor’s inaction, state law automatically enacted the bill.
Your best bet for playing DFS in Maine is at DraftKings, an industry leader with a wide selection of sports and new contests every day.
Lottery
In 1973, Rep. Arthur Genest of Waterville sponsored a bill introducing a lottery in Maine. The public voted on the bill, which received an overwhelming “yes” response. On June 27, 1974, Governor Kenneth M. Curtis drew the first lottery numbers from a gumball machine. Ivan Lazure from Lewiston became the first winner with a prize of $20.
The Maine State Lottery still operates today, offering many exciting draws, including Powerball, Mega Millions, Tri-State Megabucks, and Lotto America. You can purchase tickets at many large grocery chains and convenience stores in Maine. The Maine Lottery website even has a tool to locate a retailer near you.
Retail Sportsbooks
In 2022, Governor Janet Mills authorized mobile and retail sports betting in Maine by signing LD 585 into law. However, despite the legalization of sports betting, retail sportsbooks have yet to open up in the state. Maine gamblers’ only option is to wager via an online sports betting platform like Caesars or DraftKings.
Once retail sportsbooks launch in the state, they are likely to appear at Hollywood Casino and Oxford Casino. Customers will then have access to various sports betting options in person, including in-play betting, prop bets, and more. However, it is unclear when these retail sportsbooks will launch. We will keep a close eye on the launch of retail sportsbooks in Maine and update this page with any developments.
Land-Based Casinos
Land-based casinos are legal in Maine and have been since 2010 when the state approved the establishment of up to two land-based casinos through a ballot measure. This measure also permitted table games and poker at these casinos. Maine is home to two land-based casinos – Hollywood Casino in Bangor and Oxford Casino in Oxford.
The history of land-based casinos in Maine traces back to the early 2000s when the state approved slot machines at racing tracks, transforming them into “racinos”. Hollywood Casino was the first to open its doors in 2005, and Oxford Casino followed suit in 2012.
The future of land-based casinos in Maine looks promising. With Hollywood and Oxford Casinos already established as popular gambling destinations, there may be opportunities for expansion or the introduction of new amenities. Also, as the state explores the potential legalization of online casinos, the land-based casino landscape could see further development as it attempts to differentiate itself from online competitors.
Sweepstakes Casinos
Since real-money online casinos are not legal in Maine, players will be glad to hear they can play at social and sweepstakes casinos, which are great legal alternatives.
You use virtual currencies instead of real money to place wagers at sweepstakes casinos. This factor enables sweepstakes casinos to operate legally. At sweeps casinos, you’ll find a similar range of games to those on a real money platform, including slots, blackjack, roulette, and more. If you collect enough Sweeps Coins, you can even eventually exchange them for real-life prizes, like cash rewards and gift cards.
How are Gambling Sites Regulated in Maine?
In a perfect world, all Maine online gambling sites would be completely safe. While most sites are reputable and legitimate, sadly, there are some scam sites out there, which is where the Maine Gambling Control Unit (MGCU) comes in.
The MGCU is a specialized bureau that operates under the Department of Public Safety. The company regulates and monitors all forms of gambling in Maine. Its primary role is to enforce laws, ensure compliance, and protect consumers from unsafe practices, including rigged games.
Online casinos have yet to be legal in Maine. However, regarding online sportsbooks, the state law grants exclusive rights to Maine’s four tribes. Therefore, only licensed operators can legally offer online sports betting services to residents. Caesars and DraftKings are the only two licensed sportsbooks in the state. So, when you visit these sites, you can rest assured that your online gambling experience will be both safe and secure.
Responsible Gambling in Maine
It’s important to be aware that while gambling can be super entertaining, you should never gamble as a way to make money. Problem gambling can have negative impacts on individuals and their relationships, finances, and overall well-being.
Responsible gambling practices aim to minimize these risks by promoting safe and enjoyable gaming while encouraging individuals to maintain control over their gambling behavior. By understanding the signs of problem gambling and accessing support services when needed, individuals can gamble responsibly and avoid potential harm.
Some of the key signs to look out for include chasing losses, hiding your gambling habits from your loved ones, experiencing distress or irritability when unable to gamble, and neglecting responsibilities due to gambling.
If you or someone you know is concerned about problem gambling, several organizations in Maine can offer assistance. These organizations employ trained professionals who can provide confidential and non-judgmental counseling, support groups, and resources to help those in need overcome an addiction. These include:
Maine Council on Problem Gambling
- Helpline: 207-520-0293
- Website: https://maineproblemgambling.org/
National Problem Gambling Helpline
- Helpline: 1-800-GAMBLER
- Text: 800GAM
- Chat: https://1800gamblerchat.org/
Gamblers Anonymous
- Helpline: 855-222-5542
- Website: https://www.gamblersanonymous.org/
FAQs
- Is online gambling legal in Maine?
Online casinos and online poker are not yet legal in Maine. However, the Pine Tree State is home to legal online and retail sports betting, land-based casinos, sweepstakes casinos, Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS), horse racing, lottery, and charitable gambling.
- Can I bet on sports in Maine?
Yes, you can bet on sports in Maine, thanks to Governor Janet Mills signing LD 585 into law in 2022. Both online and retail sports betting are legal, but no retail sportsbooks are available in the state. Residents can place real money wagers on popular sporting events through licensed online sportsbooks like Caesars and DraftKings.
- Does Maine have any online casinos?
Maine has no legal real-money online casinos, but sweepstakes online casinos are available in the state. The main difference between sweepstakes/social casinos and regular online casinos is that sweepstakes casinos operate using virtual currencies rather than real money.
- Is DFS legal in Maine?
Absolutely. Maine state law passed DFS in August 2017. Players can participate in DFS contests offered by platforms like DraftKings, which provides a wide selection of sports and contests.
- Are Maine online gambling sites safe?
The MGCU regulates Maine’s online gambling sites to ensure they comply with state laws and provide a safe and fair gaming experience. Licensed operators are subject to strict regulations and oversight, ensuring the safety and security of players’ funds and personal information safety and security.
- Do I have to pay taxes on gambling winnings in Maine?
You’ll only have to pay taxes on gambling winnings in Maine if you meet the thresholds, which are $1,200 for bingo and slots, $1,500 for keno, and $5,000 for poker or other games. Effective August 2022, the income tax rate for gambling winnings in Maine became 7.15%.
