
Maine Sports Betting
ME Sports Betting Legalization & Mobile Sportsbook Updates

Updated June 02, 2023
Maine sports betting is finally legal! After passing in the Senate on April 19, Gov. Janet Mills did not waste time by signing LD 585 into law thirteen days after the Senate passed the bill on May 2, 2022.
Four online sportsbooks are expected to join the Maine online sports betting market when it goes live, as licenses were granted solely to the Penobscot, Passamaquoddy, Micmac and Maliseet tribes.
Once online sports betting launches, sportsbooks will pay a 10% tax on gaming revenue and $200,000 while their commercial partners will be expected to pay $40,000 every four years.
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ME Sports Betting Overview, Timeline and Background
Maine Legalization Timeline
May 2022
- Gov. Mills signs LD 585, officially legalizing retail and mobile sports betting in ME on May 2, 2022. Additionally, Gov. Mills was expected to sign LD 585 after her amendment proposal to give all control to state tribes was accepted.
April 2022
- Gov. Mills plans to include the state's native tribes in LD 585, giving them a foothold in the state's sports betting market. State lawmakers are not in agreement with Gov. Mills, as they are seeking to add the state's two casinos (in Oxford and Bangor) to LD 585.
- The State Senate passed the sports betting bill 23-11 on April 19, which was the final night of their legislative session. The bill is now in the hands of Gov. Mills, who is expected to officially legalize sports betting in the Pine Tree State in 2022.
- Maine's House of Representatives finally pass sports betting bill LD 585, leaving the Senate to make the next decision. Lawmakers are getting close to the end of their legislative session for the year, so the House's approval is a big step towards ultimate legalization in the Pine Tree State.
March 2022
- Maine lawmakers narrowly advanced a bill on March 16 that would legalize retail and online sports betting under tribal control. The measure—which cleared the Senate Judiciary Committee on an 8-6 vote — is part of a comprehensive package of expanded tribal rights, negotiated by Gov. Janet Mills (D). It's scheduled for full-house votes, but it likely faces a tough path ahead as lawmakers consider alternative tribal reforms and amendments. Mills is opposed to a separate larger expansion package endorsed by Maine’s four tribes — who spoke at the hearing Wednesday in support of both pieces of legislation.
July 2021
- Gov. Mills is unable to vote on SB 1352 because SB 1352 needs to go under one final review, which does not give Gov. Mills enough time to make a decision. Sports betting will not be coming to the Pine Tree State in 2021.
June 2021
- The Senate pass SB 1352, sending it to the House. If the House passes this bill, it'll land again in Gov. Mills' hands.
April 2021
- Senator Louis Luchini introduces SB 1352. This is the next attempt to legalize sports betting in the Pine Tree State since Gov. Mills vetoed LD 553 in 2020.
February 2020
- The House's vote results in LD 553 being officially vetoed by Gov. Mills. The House was the deciding factor in legalized betting in the Pine Tree State, but were ultimately unable to succeed. The next opportunity to legalize sports wagering in the state will be throughout the duration of the 2021 legislative session.
- ME's Senate votes to override Gov. Mills' veto. As the law suggests, lawmakers are allowed to override the governor's veto if they disagree with their action towards any particular bill. The House is next in line to decide if they will either override or agree with Gov. Mills' original veto.
January 2020
- ME's sports betting bill LD 553 is vetoed by Gov. Janet Mills. The bill was vetoed on Jan. 10, 2020, after Gov. Mills shared her sentiment of the state's unpreparedness for legalized sports betting.
Maine Sports Betting Grading Card
We will grade Maine on its sports betting bill and experience relative to other states as it gains traction in the state.
Maine Sports Betting Tips
Sports Betting for Beginners
If you’re new to sports betting in the Pine Tree State, you likely have questions: How much should you be betting? Where should you be betting? How do you find the best odds? Every sport and bet type comes with different nuances.
Check out our sports betting tips for beginners so you can get started.
Sports Betting Glossary
New bettors are expected to learn sports betting terminology if they want to responsibly bet on their favorite teams like the Boston Celtics or the Montréal Canadiens.
Check out our sports betting glossary to get up to speed with every term you might need to know before a parlay or prop bet.
Sports Betting Mistakes to Avoid
It’s important to stay disciplined and not overextend yourself when placing sports wagers. There will always be ups and downs, but if you stay true to our nine mistakes to avoid, your sports betting experience will be a much more enjoyable one.
Here are some sports betting mistakes to avoid.
Casinos
Maine Highlights
Gov. Mills Passes LD 585, Officially Legalizing Sports Betting in Maine
All it took was almost two weeks for Gov. Mills to legalize ME sports betting. Mobile and retail sports betting is on course to launch sometime this year before or during the 2022-23 NFL season.
ME Senate Passes Sports Betting Bill LD 585
The Senate pass LD 585 into the hands of Gov. Janet Mills one week after Maine's House passed the bill. Gov. Mills signing the bill would finally legalize sports betting in ME.
Maine Sports Betting Proposal Moves to Final Votes
Maine lawmakers narrowly advanced a bill on March 16 that would legalize retail and online sports betting under tribal control.
Maine Restarts Sports Betting Talks with Tethering Debate
Maine lawmakers reconsidering online sports betting legislation are split between a model that ties mobile licenses to retail establishments or one that allows a potentially uncapped number of digital sportsbooks.
Maine Teams
Maine Teams to Bet on
Maine has a shortage of professional and college teams to bet on: They currently have zero pro teams and just one D-I program in the state. Massachusetts, which is a major sports state, contains multiple pro sports teams that ME residents could bet on once online sports betting launches.
Latest Sports News in Maine:
- Boston Bruins have ended their playoff series by losing the last game against the Florida Panthers 3-4 (Total 3-4). (5/31)
- After winning the series against the Diamondbacks, the Boston Red Sox lost the first game of the series against the Reds 8-9. (5/31)
- The Celtics have lost the Game 7 against the Miami Heat 103-84 in the Eastern Conference Finals. (5/31)
Things to Keep an Eye on:
- In the 2023 NFL Draft, the New England Patriots made 12 selections. Their first-round choice was Christian Gonzalez while in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, they selected Georgia Tech edge rusher, Keion White. (5/31)
- The Red Sox are playing their second game of the series against the Reds today at 7:10 PM. (5/31)
Pro Sports Teams
NFL Betting Maine
New England Patriots
The New England Patriots need no introduction. The most successful team of this century is one of the most successful teams in NFL history, having won six Super Bowls since 2001, 11 conference championships and 22 division titles.
While the Patriots' dynasty is over, but with Bill Belichick still in charge, expecting the downfall to be a long-term thing is likely not a smart bet. Belichick and the Patriots turned things around, however, finishing the 21-22 season with a 10-7 record before losing in the Wild Card Round to the Buffalo Bills.
A recommended resource list to help you make informed bets on football:
- How to Bet on Football Guide
- Expert NFL Picks
- Keep an eye on betting activity and bet/money distribution with our NFL Public Betting data
NBA Betting in Maine
Boston Celtics
Like their NFL counterparts, the Boston Celtics have a history of success, but while the Patriots' winning took place entirely this century, the Celtics' stretches back to 1957, when they won their first of 17 titles. The most recent one came in 2008. The current Celtics under Ime Udoka are perennial contenders with emerging superstar Jayson Tatum flanked by the likes of Jaylen Brown and Marcus Smart. While there's more star power elsewhere around the league, the Celtics should continue to contend in the Eastern Conference playoffs for the foreseeable future.
To learn more about NBA betting:
MLB Betting in Maine
Boston Red Sox
The most famous drought in sports history was snapped in 2004 when the Boston Red Sox came back from 3-0 against the rival New York Yankees in the ALCS and then swept the St. Louis Cardinals in the World Series. It was their first World Series title in 86 years. Boston went on to win three more titles over the next 14 years, as the Red Sox established themselves as heavyweights and one of the powerhouses of the 21st century. They've since fallen on hard times, as a deal that sent superstar Mookie Betts to the Dodgers signaled to fans that the Red Sox are in for a lengthy rebuild.
MLB betting information:
NHL Betting in Maine
Boston Bruins
The Boston Bruins have been regular contenders in the NHL for the better part of this century, but have just one Stanley Cup to show for it, a 2010-11 crown that was their first since 1972. The Bruins have won their division three times since then including a Presidents' Trophy in 2019-20, and in 2021 they have another strong contender.
For more on NHL betting resources:
MLS Betting in Maine
New England Revolution
The New England Revolution were founded in 1994 and are a longtime member of Major League Soccer. However, an MLS Cup continues to allude them. The Revs' first major trophy was the 2007 U.S. Open Cup, and they have made the MLB Cup finals five times — 2002, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2014 — but have yet to come away with a victory.
Here is a recommended resource to help you bet on the MLS:
College Sports Team
Maine Black Bears — Football | Basketball
If you're from Maine and don't have your alma mater's colors in your house, you're probably rooting for the Black Bears. This could be a tough task at times, with the Black Bears men's basketball team being one of the small and select few teams in the nation to never play in March Madness. Plus, their football team only plays in the FCS, meaning they miss out on battles with some of the better programs in the country.
Here's a list of college betting resources to help you bet on the Black Bears with confidence:
College Football
- College Football Betting Tips for Profitability
- College Football Betting Tips on Fading the Public
- Action Data/Tools: College Football Odds, Picks, & Projections
College Basketball
Maine News
See AllYes, sports betting is legal in Maine as of May 2, 2022! Mobile and retail operators are expected to launch by August 2022, in time for the new NFL season.
After Gov. Mills passed Maine's sports betting bill LD 585 on May 2, 2022, residents will soon be able to place their wagers as soon as mobile and retail operators obtain the necessary licensure. Four online sportsbooks are expected to launch in time for the 2022-23 NFL season.
Yes, horse race betting is legal in Maine. Bettors can choose between four options:
- At the state's only two casino locations (Oxford Casino and the Hollywood Casino & Raceway)
- Scarborough Downs horse-racing track
- The Hollywood Races app
- Several off-track betting sites located throughout the state
The State of ME Gambling Control Unit will regulate and supervise sports betting when it launches in the Pine Tree State. The Gambling Control Unit operates within the ME Department of Public Safety, so all future sportsbook operators will be under strict regulation.
No, offshore books like MyBookie and Bovada are considered illegal sports betting operators. Both online sportsbooks are not regulated or licensed by Maine, so your money is never secure.
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler.