Is Online Sports Betting Legal in Maine?

Online Sports Betting Maine: When It Started

Lawmakers passed LD 585 in May 2022, giving the green light to sports betting. The law went into effect in August 2022, and sportsbooks officially launched on November 3, 2023.

Both retail and online sports betting online started at the same time. That put Maine into the growing list of states offering regulated wagering. For a smaller market, the launch was smooth and timed perfectly ahead of NFL betting season.

Read more: Looking for the ultimate guide to NFL betting this season? We've got you covered right here!

Is Sports Betting Legal Online in Maine?

Yes. Sports betting legal online is available statewide for anyone 21 or older. You just need to be inside Maine’s borders, with geolocation confirming your location before allowing bets.

Maine’s law created a tribal-exclusive model. Only the Penobscot, Passamaquoddy, Micmac, and Maliseet tribes can run online sportsbooks, but they can partner with commercial operators. So far, Caesars and DraftKings are live through these partnerships.

Online Sports Betting Apps in Maine

Right now, Maine has just two online sports betting apps: Caesars and DraftKings. Each tribe is limited to one partner, so the market is intentionally capped at four total apps if all tribes sign deals.

Example: A Patriots fan in Portland can open DraftKings, place a wager on the Pats +3 against the spread, and add a prop for the total points to go over. That parlay is legal, quick, and done from a phone.

While the options are limited compared to other sports gambling legal states like New Jersey or Illinois, Maine still offers safe and regulated apps for NFL betting and other sports.

Online Sports Betting How To: Step by Step

Getting started with online sports betting Maine apps is simple:

1. Pick a licensed app like Caesars or DraftKings.
   
   
2. Download it from the App Store or Google Play.
   
   
3. Create an account and verify your age.
   
   
4. Deposit money with debit, PayPal, or online banking.
   
   
5. Browse betting markets—NFL betting, NBA spreads, MLB totals, or college basketball lines.
   
   
6. Place and confirm your wager.
   
   

That’s all it takes. With regulation in place, every bet is legal and secure.

Taxes, Regulation, and Oversight

The Maine Gambling Control Unit regulates sports betting, ensuring fair play and safe markets. They handle licensing, revenue collection, and consumer protections.

The tax rate is 10% of sportsbook revenue, which goes toward state programs. Compared to other sports gambling legal states, Maine’s tax rate is moderate.

This balance allows sportsbooks to operate while still generating revenue for the state.

What You Can Bet On in Maine

Maine allows bets on pro sports, out-of-state college teams, and international events. NFL betting, NBA, MLB, NHL, and global soccer are all available.

There are a couple of restrictions:

• You cannot bet on Maine college teams.
  
  
• High school sports are banned from wagering.
  
  

So while you can bet on March Madness, you won’t see lines for the University of Maine. This rule keeps the focus on national markets while protecting in-state amateur programs.

Maine Compared to Other Sports Gambling Legal States

Maine’s market looks very different from larger sports betting legal online hubs. States like New Jersey or Pennsylvania have 10+ sportsbook apps, while Maine is capped at four.

That limited access means fewer promos and bonuses, but the apps that are live still provide full betting menus. NFL betting, college hoops, and player props are all part of the mix.

The tribal-exclusive model sets Maine apart from most of the online sports betting USA landscape. It’s designed to give economic benefits to the state’s tribes while still offering everyday bettors legal options.

Online Sports Betting Example: Celtics Game Day

Picture this: the Boston Celtics are playing the Miami Heat. A bettor in Bangor opens Caesars, takes the Celtics -5.5, adds Jayson Tatum over 25.5 points, and parlay it with the total to go over 214.5.

That three-leg parlay is fully legal in Maine. It shows how online sports betting online works in practice, even with just two apps available.

Retail Sports Betting in Maine

Beyond apps, retail sportsbooks are available at the state’s two commercial casinos—Hollywood Slots in Bangor and Oxford Casino—as well as off-track betting parlors.

This setup gives players the choice between mobile wagering and in-person betting. Still, most wagers are expected to come from online sports betting apps, just like in other states.

The Future of Online Sports Betting Maine

Maine’s market is still new, and growth is expected. More tribes could partner with operators, adding new apps to the mix. With time, bettors may see up to four online sportsbooks available.

The Maine Gambling Control Unit will continue to oversee regulation and compliance. While the market is small compared to giants like New York or New Jersey, it’s stable, safe, and built for steady growth.

Final Thoughts on Online Sports Betting Maine

Online sports betting Maine is legal, live, and running through a unique tribal-exclusive system. While options are limited to Caesars and DraftKings for now, bettors still have access to NFL betting, NBA games, and college sports outside of Maine.

With strong regulation, fair taxes, and safe apps, Maine offers a simple but effective betting market. It may not match the size of other sports gambling legal states, but it gives everyday fans a legal way to wager.

Check out our full betting toolset to start spotting profitable lines.