Maine Sports Betting 2023

Maine sports betting has officially been legalized and is set to launch at some point in 2024. Once it does, Pickswise will be primed and ready to give you all of the best Maine sports betting tips, tricks and promotions. The legalization-to-launch timeline may be a bit lengthy for ME sports betting, but it will certainly be worth the wait.

Refer back to this guide as your all-in-one resource for both online and retail betting information in Maine. Whether it’s the current regulations, the top sportsbooks or the most lucrative promotions in the Pine Tree State, this guide has it all. Every review goes into great depth as we aim to consistently provide the most recent, comprehensive information available. Let Pickswise do all of the library study sessions, so you have more time to place informed wagers before taking in the action.

Is sports betting legal in Maine?

Yes, both online and retail sports betting are currently legal within the state of Maine. Online sports betting has yet to launch despite its legality, with the exceptions being daily fantasy sports (Bill LD 1320) and off-track horse racing betting. The road to legalizing sports betting in Maine officially began on June 19, 2019. A sports betting bill surprisingly passed on that day, which marked the final day of the legislative session. Despite this progress, Maine sports betting didn’t receive official legal status until about three years later. On May 2, 2022, the signature of Governor Janet Mills turned Bill LD 585 into law.

The state of Maine doesn’t exactly have a long history of being interested in sports gambling, or gambling in general. With that said, this is largely due to previously existing laws that predominantly prohibited it. A lack of professional in-state sports teams might also be a deterrent, although many residents still cheer for New England teams.

At the moment, there are just two casinos and five off-track betting venues within state lines. Each location will surely apply for a retail sports betting license as soon as possible. As a result, finding different options throughout the state should become much more convenient.

Best online Maine sports betting sites

The best online Maine sports betting sites aren’t officially determined since the state is still in the pre-launch phase. Luckily, Pickswise has a pretty good idea of which online sportsbooks will gain approval to operate. The four federally-recognized in-state indigenous tribes including the Passamaquoddy, Penobscot, Maliseet and the Micmac will each receive one of the four approved online licenses. Each may partner with one commercial sportsbook, although multiple tribes are allowed to choose the same sportsbook.

The best of the top sportsbooks can afford to run incredibly lucrative promotions, meaning you stand to win as a new or returning sports bettor. Multiple bonuses can also be claimed at once, however, it is important to understand exactly how they work.

Some of the best ME sports betting promotions that will likely soon be available via Pickswise include:

BetRivers Sportsbook Maine

BetRivers Sportsbook is based several hundred miles away in Illinois, but that won’t matter much if the company is approved for ME mobile sports betting. The competition will be stiff, but BetRivers is also a very experienced operator. Its chances of earning a skin are just as high as the rest of the big sportsbooks.

New BetRivers users can receive up to $500 in bet credits. Simply click the link below and follow the instructions to obtain your bet credits (maximum $500).

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BetMGM Sportsbook Maine

BetMGM Sportsbook is the exclusive sports betting division of the parent organization MGM Resorts International. Its prominence stems from being an extremely profitable company, meaning it would have no problem providing enticing promotional offers to both new and returning ME sports bettors. There is no guarantee that BetMGM will secure one of the available skins, but it certainly has the resources to win a bidding war.

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Caesars Sportsbook Maine

Caesars Entertainment is a household name and for good reason. The company has a lot of pull in the gaming industry and it would be surprising to see it excluded from the Maine online sports betting scene. Caesars’ usual promotion is betting credits of up to $1,250 if your first bet loses as well as 1,000 reward credits and 1,000 tier credits. Once launched, see the link below and follow the instructions and claim your bet credits (maximum $1,250).

Claim betting credits of up to $1,250:

• Simply enter the promo code PWCONTENTFULL while registering for a new Caesars account*
• Make a real-cash deposit and place an initial wager of $10 or more (maximum $1,250).
• Once your initial bet settles, you will receive that amount in bet credits. For example, if you bet $800 and lose, you will receive $800 in bet credits. Your account will be credited with 1,000 reward credits and 1,000 tier credits as well, regardless of the amount of the initial wager.

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DraftKings Sportsbook Maine

DraftKings Sportsbook is a very successful company thanks to its competitive odds and high-quality customer service. It has two separate sports betting sites/mobile apps, one for traditional betting and one for daily fantasy sports with unique contests to keep things interesting every single day. Headquartered in nearby Massachusetts, DraftKings has a very good chance of being selected by at least one of the four tribes with available skins.

Those looking to get started on the traditional DraftKings Sportsbook site will certainly be incentivized to do so with its welcome offer. New users can instantly receive several bet credits with a cumulative value of $200 by simply spending just $5 of real cash. If DraftKings is chosen, visit the link below and follow the instructions to claim $200 in bet credits.

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FanDuel Sportsbook Maine

FanDuel Sportsbook has been a very popular DFS option in Maine and looks primed to make its mark on the fixed odds market as well. Its wide array of bet types, promotions and boosted odds guarantee that there’s always a good reason to play.

Players will be able to obtain a multitude of bet credits valued at $150 after depositing only $10 worth of real cash. If FanDuel is approved for operation, use the link below and follow the instructions to claim $150 in bet credits.

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How do I sign-up for a sports betting account in Maine?

It’s easy to sign-up for a Maine sports betting account. Get started by following the steps below:

• Click any of the available Pickswise promotional links.
• Complete the account registration process by entering personal information when prompted including legal name, age (ID verification required) and payment method.
• Once your account has been verified, you can make your first deposit.
• Please see the sub-sections for a step-by-step guide on how to place your first wager.

Best Maine sports betting mobile apps

The best Maine sports betting mobile apps will more than likely stem from some of the biggest, most successful operators in the industry. Almost all sports betting sites have an accompanying mobile app, but some are better than others. Which sportsbook will provide the best mobile sports betting experience in Maine?

There are some key criteria to keep in mind when evaluating Maine sports betting apps, and sports betting apps in general. First, how is the overall performance while navigating? Does it seem buggy? Another aspect to notice is the additional features. One of the most popular features that sportsbook apps offer is live streaming, which lets you pick which game to watch from a list of the most popular daily games. Don’t have cable? Or can’t get the right sports package? Follow the action by taking advantage of these free streams.

Customer service is a key feature that may not be as flashy as live streaming, but it’s still very important. Some sportsbooks only provide help lines during business hours, whereas others don’t provide a number at all and require either email or live-chat correspondence. All of the best sportsbooks and their apps are bound to experience technical issues at some point in time, but the most important thing is how quickly and easily they can be resolved. Look below to find the current best sportsbook apps that could soon become the best sportsbook apps in Maine:

Caesars Sportsbook

Caesars Sportsbook has a fantastic mobile app that consistently ranks within the top-five sports betting apps on both iOS and Android. One of the hallmarks of its success is customer service, including an extensive FAQ section and very responsive support agents.

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DraftKings Sportsbook

DraftKings Sportsbook actually has two separate but equally successful sports betting apps (one for traditional betting and one for daily fantasy sports). One of the draws is the selection of unique contests that keep things interesting every single day. All-in-all, the DraftKings app grades out very well in terms of being user-friendly and efficiently organized.

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FanDuel Sportsbook

FanDuel Sportsbook, similarly to DraftKings, has separate apps for traditional betting and daily fantasy sports. Both FanDuel apps are very easy-to-use thanks to the similar interface shared with the online and mobile browser versions. It’s a very convenient app to use regardless of the preferred platform.

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Overall best Maine sportsbook app: FanDuel Sportsbook

FanDuel Sportsbook has one of the best apps around for several reasons. On top of boosted odds and other promos, FanDuel allows Same Game Parlays on which the returns can be incredibly lucrative. The casino portion of this app is also available without any additional downloads. Simply use the menu at the bottom of your phone screen to seamlessly switch between sportsbook and casino. Withdrawing funds is also a fairly easy process, with winnings usually being deposited into your bank account within 24-48 hours.

Best Maine sports betting promo codes & bonuses

The number of Maine sports betting promo codes that can be redeemed will depend on the number of online operators. There may be as many as four offers (one from each sportsbook) however there could be fewer if multiple tribes sign partnership deals with the same sportsbook.

Luckily, you are not limited to only a single sportsbook as a consumer. Using more than one is actually considered common and strategic, often referred to as ‘odds shopping’ or ‘line shopping’. Whether you’re claiming a deposit match bonus or a bet credits offer, new-user promos are a fantastic way to mitigate some of your potential losses since bet credits can essentially be spent like real cash.

The bargains don’t stop there either, as promo codes and boost bonuses can be found on the homepage of most Maine sportsbooks. For example, if most of the main sportsbooks have the Boston Red Sox at -380 money line odds, a sportsbook with a boosted odds promotion for that betting market could instead have the Red Sox at -220, which offers much better value.

To activate any and/or all of our current promo code offers, please click one of the links below:

BetRivers Sportsbook promo: 

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BetMGM Sportsbook promo:

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Caesars Sportsbook promo:

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DraftKings Sportsbook promo:

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FanDuel Sportsbook promo:

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How to bet on sports online in Maine?

Creating your sportsbook account can be a bit intimidating at first. Simply follow our step-by-step process below to get the ball rolling:

• Select a sport to wager on. Patiently consider all of your options.
• Choose a game/bet type to wager on.
• Place a bet of a reasonable amount. For example, $20.
• Enter that amount and click ‘Submit’. Your wager will appear on a confirmation bet slip.
• Once the bet has been settled, your account will automatically be credited with your payout if your wager was successful.

Legal Maine sports betting legislation timeline

• The Professional & Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) was deemed unconstitutional and overturned by the Supreme Court on May 14, 2018.
• On June 19, 2019, a sports betting bill managed to make its way through chambers on the final day of the Maine legislative session. Governor Janet Mills didn’t sign the bill herself, but she didn’t veto it either.
• On January 10, 2020, Mills vetoed that same sports betting bill. Surprisingly, many of the other members of the Maine Legislature supported an override of the veto. The official vote for the override did not garner enough support for a majority, so the bill remained in limbo.
• It was eventually scrapped altogether and was replaced by Bill LD 585. It was passed on Tuesday, April 19th and Mills finally signed it into law on May 2, 2022.
• Maine’s sports betting law was officially enacted on August 8, 2022. Despite this, the road to launching mobile and retail sports betting may still be long and unpredictable.
• On January 11, 2023, the Maine Gambling Control Unit (MGCU) released a road map via Executive Director Milton Champion. While addressing the media, Champion outlined a proposed set of rules and regulations for sports betting in the state of Maine. Sports betting in Maine is set to launch sometime in 2024.

Where can I bet on sports in Maine?

Maine residents and domestic tourists can only bet on horse racing at one of the off-track betting locations. Retail and mobile sports betting of any other kind (besides DFS) will not be allowed until the official launch in early 2024. At that point, if you are at least 21 years of age with a valid Social Security Number (SSN), you can wager on sports from anywhere in the state, as long as you have a computer or smartphone as well as an internet connection.

Some sports bettors prefer to submit their bet slips from brick-and-mortar locations. The two commercial casinos and the five off-track betting sites that currently exist will be able to apply for retail sportsbook licenses when the time comes

Can you bet in person in Maine?

No, you cannot yet bet on sports in person in Maine unless you are participating in off-track betting at a horse racing track. Once sports betting officially launches, you will be able to play as long as you are at least 21 years of age and can present valid identification. You must also have a valid Social Security Number (SSN), meaning that domestic tourists can place bets as long as they comply with the other aforementioned regulations. Unfortunately, this also means that international visitors cannot place wagers while visiting the United States.

Regulations surrounding college sports betting may slightly differ as well. Those who wish to place wagers on college sports usually must do so at a retail sportsbook location. Betting on in-state college teams may be prohibited in its entirety. The three closest locations to the capital city of Augusta that may become retail sportsbooks include:

• Favorites OTB: 38 College Avenue, Waterville, ME 04901 (22.6 miles from downtown Augusta)
• Winners Circle OTB (Marco’s Restaurant): 12 Mollison Way, Lewiston, ME 04240 (28.3 miles from downtown Augusta)
• Winners OTB (Winner’s Sports Grill): 20 Farley Rd, Brunswick, ME 04011 (37.1 miles from downtown Augusta)

Maine retail sportsbook locations

Maine has two commercial casinos and five off-track betting facilities that could apply to become retail sportsbook locations. These locations include:

• Hollywood Casino Hotel & Raceway: 500 Main St, Bangor, ME 04401 (75.1 miles from downtown Augusta)
• Oxford Casino Hotel: 777 Casino Way, Oxford, ME 04270 (52.2 miles from downtown Augusta)
• Bangor Raceway OTB: 100 Dutton St, Bangor, ME 04401 (75.1 miles from downtown Augusta)
• Favorites OTB: 38 College Avenue, Waterville, ME 04901 (22.6 miles from downtown Augusta)
• Sanford OTB: 890 Main St Ste 200 C, Springvale, ME 04083 (91.1 miles from downtown Augusta)
• Winners Circle OTB (Marco’s Restaurant): 12 Mollison Way, Lewiston, ME 04240 (28.3 miles from downtown Augusta)
• Winners OTB (Winner’s Sports Grill): 20 Farley Rd, Brunswick, ME 04011 (37.1 miles from downtown Augusta)

Can you bet on college sports in Maine?

The answer will likely be yes once things get off the ground, but you will probably only be able to wager on out-of-state college sports at first. There’s a good chance these bets will need to be made in person at a retail sportsbook as well. College prop betting will likely be prohibited altogether.

A lot of Maine sports fans are diehard college sports fans and enjoy cheering for some of the best Division I teams in the nation. Since in-state college team betting will likely be banned, those wishing to bet on college sports can opt to choose teams from nearby Massachusetts including the Boston College Eagles, the Northeastern Huskies or the Boston University Terriers.

Betting on Maine teams

Maine residents (and American tourists currently within the state lines of Maine) unfortunately do not have any sports teams at the professional level. This is primarily due to the relatively small size of the state itself. Fortunately, some of the most popular professional sports teams in Maine are still New England-based. These teams include:

Betting on Maine baseball teams: Boston Red Sox (MLB)

Summers in Maine are an absolute delight. When you’re not by the water taking in the sweet smells and sounds of the season, make sure to take a trip to Massachusetts. Mobile sports betting will likely not launch until 2024, so a trip to the historic Fenway Park is not a bad way to bet when the weather is warm while taking in some MLB action. 

Betting on Maine football teams: New England Patriots (NFL)

New England residents have been blessed with a perennially successful NFL team in the Patriots. The fans have no issue making the trek out to Foxborough for what is usually an experience of a lifetime. When it comes to mobile sports betting and having fun, Massachusetts has it all.

Betting on Maine basketball teams: Boston Celtics (NBA)

Basketball is the definition of a big deal in Maine, with one of the NBA’s best teams, the Celtics, nearby. After narrowly missing out on a championship back in 2022, the squad is more motivated than ever. Watching the likes of Jayson Tatum in his prime is always a treat, and an exciting bet can make it all the sweeter when he’s at his best. 

Betting on Maine hockey teams: Boston Bruins (NHL)

The Bruins have wasted no time taking the NHL by storm this season. The team is winning at a historic rate and doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon. The Celtics share TD Garden with the Bruins, and the arena is absolutely rocking whether it’s ice or hardwood. Given the Bruins’ older squad, the time to see them and bet on them is likely as good as it will ever be.

Betting on Maine soccer teams: New England Revolution (MLS)

The Revolution showed the MLS it meant business following a first-place conference finish in the 2021 season. Like the Patriots, the Revolution is owned by Robert Kraft and plays at Gillette Stadium. With five MLS Eastern Conference Championships in the last 20 years, it’s well worth the trip.

Who can bet on sports in Maine?

To bet on sports in Maine, you will likely need to be at least 21 years of age and within state lines at the time your wager is placed. You must also have a valid Social Security Number (SSN) meaning international visitors are unfortunately restricted from playing.

Do you have to pay sports betting taxes on winnings in Maine?

Yes, you will likely have to pay some kind of sports betting tax on winnings in Maine. For more information on what the official Maine rules and regulations surrounding taxes on winnings will be, please visit the official website of the Maine Gambling Control Unit.

How does Maine sports betting compare with New Hampshire and Massachusetts?

Maine may currently be behind its neighboring states of New Hampshire and Massachusetts, but not by much. Massachusetts just launched retail sports betting on January 31, 2023, and mobile sports betting is set to launch on March 10, 2023. Unlike Maine, Massachusetts will permit up to 15 betting licenses and has already approved 11 mobile sportsbooks ahead of the March launch.

New Hampshire has legalized mobile sports betting but has permitted only DraftKings to operate so far. This may sound like an enticing monopoly for DraftKings, except it has to give upwards of 51% of its revenue to the state. The sports betting age is lower in New Hampshire as well, with legal wagering beginning at 18 years old.

Can you play fantasy sports in Maine?

Yes, it is legal to play fantasy sports, including daily fantasy sports (DFS) in the state of Maine. Be sure to check out all of the latest fantasy sports promos, picks and playbooks in our FREE Fantasy Alarm NFL Fantasy Football Draft Guide.