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Maine sports betting is now legal, marking a major shift in how wagering works in the Pine Tree State. After years of debate, lawmakers approved a regulated market that fits within the state’s traditionally cautious approach to gambling in Maine. The result is a system that allows residents and visitors to place legal sports bets while still maintaining strict oversight of who can operate sportsbooks.
Today, Maine sports betting operates under a specific legal framework that determines where bets can be placed and which operators are allowed to offer services in the state. Like other forms of gambling in Maine, sports wagering was introduced in a controlled way that reflects the state’s long-standing preference for limited and carefully regulated gambling options.
Below, we break down everything you need to know about sports wagering in the state, including the current legal status, how betting works, and which platforms are available to players. Keep reading to learn how Maine sports betting works in 2026 and what bettors should expect from the market today.
Maine quick facts
| Category | Maine |
|---|---|
| ⚖️ Sports betting laws | ✅ Legal and regulated since 2022. |
| 👫 Population | 1.4M Small but growing betting market. |
| 👶 Minimum gambling age | 21 For all sports betting. |
| 🏙️ Retail sports betting | ✅ Available at Hollywood Casino Bangor and Oxford Casino Hotel. |
| 🌐 Online sports betting | ✅ Legal through licensed operators partnered with Maine’s four federally recognized tribes. |
| 📱 Mobile sports betting | ✅ Permitted statewide via approved sportsbook apps. |
| 🐎 Online horse betting | ✅ Legal through licensed advance deposit wagering sites. |
| 🏆 DFS | ❌ Not formally regulated and major operators do not actively operate locally. |
Is sports betting legal in Maine?
Yes, sports betting is legal in Maine. Lawmakers approved the market in 2022, and after a lengthy regulatory process the industry officially launched in November 2023. Several years later, the system is now firmly established, though it still operates under a structure that looks different from the open commercial markets seen in many other states.
Under Maine law, online sports betting licenses were granted to the state’s four federally recognized Native American tribes. Each tribe can partner with a sportsbook operator to run betting platforms. Three tribes partnered with Caesars Sportsbook, while another chose DraftKings, making the market effectively a two-operator system for now. Additional partnerships could emerge in the future, but currently Maine sports betting remains limited compared with larger multi-operator markets.
Top offshore sports betting sites available in Maine
While sports betting is legal in Maine, state regulated sportsbooks do not offer every type of wager that bettors may be looking for. Certain markets such as political betting are not allowed, and there can be limitations involving in state college teams or smaller niche sports. Entertainment props and other specialty markets are also uncommon on Maine licensed platforms, which means the available betting menu can feel narrower than what many bettors expect.
Because of these restrictions, some bettors choose to use international sportsbooks that accept players from Maine and offer a much wider range of betting markets. These offshore platforms often include political wagers, unrestricted college sports betting, and a broader selection of props and niche events. Below you can find some of OnlineSportsBetting’s top rated offshore sportsbooks available to Maine bettors:
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Regulated online sportsbooks available in Maine
Sports betting in Maine operates under a relatively small but regulated market. State law allows the four federally recognized tribes to control online sports betting licenses, and each tribe can partner with a sportsbook operator to run betting platforms. As a result, Maine residents can place legal wagers through approved mobile sportsbooks that operate statewide.
In practice, the market is currently limited to two operators because three tribes partnered with the same company. This means bettors in Maine have access to a smaller number of regulated sportsbooks than in many other states, though both available platforms are well established brands in the U.S. betting industry. Here's the list of currently-regulated sportsbooks:
- DraftKings: Partnered with the Passamaquoddy Tribe and launched with the start of Maine’s regulated market in November 2023.
- Caesars: Partnered with the Penobscot Nation, Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, and Mi’kmaq Nation, giving Caesars access to three of the state’s four tribal licenses.
What can't you bet on in Maine?
Maine offers legal sports betting through licensed operators, but certain wagering markets are restricted under state regulations. These limits are common in U.S. betting markets and are intended to protect the integrity of sports and maintain oversight of gambling activities within the state.
Here are a few types of wagers that are currently not permitted at licensed Maine sportsbooks:
- In-state college teams: Betting on college teams based in Maine is not allowed at regulated sportsbooks. This restriction applies to programs such as the Maine Black Bears and other local collegiate teams.
- Online casino games: Maine does not currently allow statewide online casino gambling. Traditional casino games like blackjack, roulette, and slots are only available in person at the state’s two commercial casinos, Hollywood Casino Bangor and Oxford Casino Hotel.
- Non-sports events: Maine sportsbooks cannot offer betting markets on events outside of sports. This means wagers on political elections, award shows, or entertainment outcomes such as reality TV competitions are not permitted.
Some bettors who want access to these types of wagers choose offshore sportsbooks, which operate outside Maine’s regulatory framework and often offer a broader range of betting markets.
Who can legally bet in Maine?
Maine’s regulated sports betting market gives residents and visitors several ways to place wagers, as long as they follow the state’s rules. While some betting markets are restricted, the overall system is straightforward and accessible for anyone who meets the legal requirements.
Here are the key rules that determine who can legally bet in Maine:
- Legal age: The minimum age to place sports bets in Maine is 21 years old, which is consistent with most regulated betting markets across the United States.
- Mobile betting: Maine allows statewide mobile sports betting. As long as you are physically located within Maine’s borders, you can place wagers through licensed apps such as Caesars Sportsbook or DraftKings Sportsbook.
- Retail sportsbooks: In-person betting is also available at Maine’s two commercial casinos: Hollywood Casino Bangor and Oxford Casino Hotel. These locations offer retail sportsbooks where bettors can place wagers at kiosks or betting counters.
- Remote registration: Maine permits fully online account registration, meaning bettors can create and verify sportsbook accounts without visiting a casino or other physical location.
- Taxable winnings: Gambling winnings are considered taxable income in Maine. Bettors are required to report their winnings to both the IRS and the Maine state tax authorities, so it is important to keep records of any gambling profits throughout the year.
Maine casinos
Maine has two operating commercial casinos, and neither is owned or operated by the state’s Native American tribes. While Maine’s four federally recognized tribes control online sports betting licenses, the casino industry itself is separate and entirely commercial. The two casinos currently operating in the state are Oxford Casino Hotel and Hollywood Casino Bangor.
- Oxford Casino Hotel: Located in Oxford, Maine, Oxford Casino Hotel is the largest casino in the state. It features more than 900 slot machines and dozens of table games, including blackjack, roulette, craps, and poker. The property also includes an on-site hotel, multiple restaurants, and entertainment spaces, making it a full-service gaming resort for visitors in southern Maine.
- Hollywood Casino Bangor: Located in Bangor, this property combines casino gaming with harness racing at the Bangor Raceway. Hollywood Casino Bangor offers over 700 slot machines and a variety of table games, including blackjack, roulette, and poker. The venue also includes a hotel, dining options, and live racing events during the season.
While Maine has regulated sports betting through licensed operators like Caesars and DraftKings, online casino gambling is not currently legal in the state. Players who want a real-money online casino experience often turn to offshore platforms such as Bookmaker, MyBookie, and Bovada, which offer casino games like slots, blackjack, roulette, poker, and live dealer tables. These sites operate under offshore gaming licenses and provide an alternative for Maine players looking to enjoy online casino gaming beyond what the state’s regulated market currently offers.
Maine sports betting legalization timeline
Why did it take Maine so long to come around sports betting? Let's go back through the timeline, shall we?
2026 — Online-Only Model Remains Central to Market
Maine continues operating under an online-focused sports wagering system, with licenses tied to tribal partnerships. The structure limits the number of available operators.
2025 — Tribal Partnerships Define Market Access
Authorized operators continued running sportsbooks through agreements with tribal entities, shaping how betting is offered in the state.
2024 — Mobile Betting Launch Establishes New Market
Maine officially launched legal sports wagering through online platforms, marking its entry into the regulated market.
2023 — Legal Framework Approved for Sports Betting
Lawmakers approved a sports wagering system built around tribal partnerships and mobile access.
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In 2024, Maine's sports betting market continued to grow, with steady handle figures and increased interest ahead of its first full NFL season with legal wagering. Meanwhile, the state's Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee reviewed LD 1777, a proposed iGaming bill, signaling potential future expansions in online gambling.
Betting on Maine teams
Maine does not have any major professional sports franchises, which means most bettors in the state follow and wager on nearby teams, particularly those based in Boston. Fans across Maine closely track teams like the New England Patriots in the NFL, the Boston Celtics in the NBA, and the Boston Red Sox in Major League Baseball. These regional teams attract a large share of betting interest, especially during major events like the NFL playoffs, the Super Bowl, and the MLB postseason. However, Maine regulations prohibit wagers on in-state college teams, so bettors cannot place bets on programs such as the University of Maine Black Bears.
Football
Football is the most popular sport to bet on in Maine, just as it is across the United States. Betting activity peaks during the NFL season from September through February, with strong interest in teams like the New England Patriots and other AFC contenders. The Super Bowl is the single biggest betting event of the year, offering hundreds of wagering options including spreads, totals, and player props.
Basketball
Basketball betting remains popular throughout the NBA season and reaches its peak during the NCAA Tournament. Many Maine bettors follow nearby teams like the Boston Celtics, and March Madness creates one of the busiest betting periods of the year thanks to its nonstop slate of tournament games.
Baseball
Even though Maine does not have an MLB franchise, baseball betting is steady throughout the long Major League Baseball season. Fans across the state often support the Boston Red Sox, giving bettors daily wagering opportunities during the league’s 162 game schedule that runs from spring through early fall.
Combat sports
Combat sports such as UFC and boxing also draw regular betting interest in Maine. Major fight cards take place almost every weekend, and sportsbooks offer a wide range of markets covering main events and undercard bouts, where experienced bettors can sometimes find favorable odds.
Maine betting revenue statistics
It can be difficult to judge the success of Maine’s sports betting market by looking at a single month of data. Revenue numbers can fluctuate depending on the sports calendar, especially during the summer when fewer major leagues are in action. For example, sportsbooks in Maine handled about $36.8 million in wagers in July 2025 and generated roughly $3.6 million in gross gaming revenue for the month. Seasonal slowdowns like this are common across many states and do not necessarily reflect the overall health of the market.
Looking at the full year provides a better perspective. In 2025, Maine sportsbooks accepted around $466.5 million in total wagers and produced approximately $50.6 million in gross gaming revenue, which resulted in more than $5 million in tax revenue for the state. Betting activity tends to rise significantly in the fall and winter when the NFL and college football seasons drive the majority of wagering across the country. For a smaller state with only two active operators, Maine’s betting market has shown steady and sustainable growth.
Other betting types in Maine
Horse race betting: Pari mutuel wagering on horse racing is legal in Maine. Bettors can place wagers at licensed venues such as Hollywood Casino Bangor, and through approved online horse racing platforms that accept players from the state.
Daily fantasy sports (DFS): DFS contests are legal in Maine. Major platforms such as DraftKings, FanDuel, and PrizePicks allow players to build fantasy lineups and compete in contests based on real player performances.
Casinos: Maine has two commercial casinos, Hollywood Casino Bangor and Oxford Casino Hotel. These venues offer traditional casino games such as slots, blackjack, roulette, and poker, along with restaurants and entertainment options.
Lottery: The Maine Lottery offers several draw games including Powerball and Mega Millions, along with instant scratch tickets. Tickets can be purchased at licensed retailers across the state, and some lottery products are also available through the official Maine Lottery online platform.
Sports betting rules in other US states
Want to bet outside of Maine? No problem! Choose a state below, and we’ll guide you step-by-step on how to bet there legally. Just click on a link and get all the details you need to start betting with confidence!
Responsible gaming in Maine
It is important to stay safe while gambling. If you detect a lack of control or other symptoms of problem gambling, check out some of these resources:
Local:
- Maine Gambling Control Board (https://www.maine.gov/dps/gcu): Offers resources and information for those struggling with problem gambling. Their helpline is available 24/7 at 1-800-522-4700.
- Gamblers Anonymous (https://www.gamblersanonymous.org): A peer-support group providing meetings across the country, including Maine, offering a confidential space for individuals recovering from gambling addiction.
- Maine Council on Problem Gambling (https://maineproblemgambling.org/): The MCPG provides free resources to Maine residents looking to recover from porblem gambling.
National:
- Gamble Aware (https://www.gambleaware.org/): A non-profit organization providing resources and support for individuals struggling with gambling addiction.
- International Center for Responsible Gaming (https://www.icrg.org/): The International Center for Responsible Gaming (CRG) is a research institution dedicated to promoting safe gambling practices and addressing gambling-related issues.
- 24/7 Gambling Support Line (https://www.ncpgambling.org/help-treatment/about-the-national-problem-gambling-helpline/): A round-the-clock helpline offering immediate assistance and guidance for those experiencing gambling-related problems.
