Sports Betting

NFL Betting: The Best Online Sportsbooks in Maine for Football

Maine stands as one of New England's most restrictive yet pioneering sports betting markets, having legalized online sports betting through a tribal gaming partnership framework signed by Governor Janet Mills on May 2, 2022, with online betting launching on November 3, 2023 (nearly a year later than legislation). Maine is home to New England Patriots fans (just across the border in Massachusetts) and generates moderate betting volume from regional New England interests. No fluff, no jargon. Just picks you can flex.

NFL Betting: The Best Online Sportsbooks in Maine for Football

Is NFL Betting Legal in Maine?

Yes, NFL betting is legal in Maine exclusively through tribal-partnered online sportsbooks. Maine legalized sports betting when Governor Janet Mills signed Bill LD 585 into law on May 2, 2022, with online betting launching on November 3, 2023.

Here are the key legal facts you need to know:

Regulatory body: Maine Gambling Control Unit (MGCU)
Licensed online operators: 2 active sportsbooks (Caesars Sportsbook, DraftKings)
Maximum authorized operators: Up to 4 online licenses (tribal partnerships only)
Tribal partnership model: Each of Maine's four federally recognized tribes (Penobscot, Passamaquoddy, Micmac, Maliseet, part of Wabanaki Nations) receives one mobile license
Retail sportsbooks: Up to 10 authorized retail locations (limited deployment as of 2025)
Age requirement: 21 years old or older for all sports betting
Remote registration: YES, fully online remote registration allowed (no retail visit required)
Geolocation requirement: Must be physically located within Maine to place wagers
College sports: Yes, full college sports betting permitted EXCEPT in-state teams (University of Maine, Colby, Bowdoin, etc.)
Professional sports: NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS, esports all allowed
Tax rates: 10% on online operator revenue; 16% for retail
Licensing fees: Tribal operators pay $200,000 per four-year license; commercial partners pay additional $40,000
Advertising restrictions: Very strict (limits operator marketing compared to other states)
2024 Handle: $49.5 million in bets (March 2025 recorded)

Best Online Sportsbooks for NFL Betting in Maine

Maine features just 2 licensed online sportsbooks. Here are your only options:

1. DraftKings Maine – Best User Interface

DraftKings (partnered with Passamaquoddy Tribe) ranks as Maine's top-rated sportsbook for superior user interface and NFL coverage. Welcome offer: "Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets" (some sources list $300). Features extensive same-game parlays, rapid odds updates, and exceptional NFL coverage with clean, industry-leading app interface. Updated promos include 20% first deposit match up to $1,000.

Best for: Anyone who wants the best app experience in Maine.

2. Caesars Sportsbook Maine – Most Tribal Partnerships

Caesars (partnered with Penobscot, Passamaquoddy, and Micmac tribes, holding 3 of 4 tribal licenses) offers competitive NFL betting. Welcome offer: "Bet $1, Double Your Winnings on Your Next 20 Bets" (profit boosts). Caesars Rewards members earn loyalty benefits applicable to properties nationwide.

Best for: Players who want Caesars Rewards perks nationwide.

Shurzy tip: Maine only has two options, so sign up for both. With such limited choices, line shopping between DraftKings and Caesars isn't optional. It's survival. Even a half-point difference can be the difference between cashing and watching your bet die by the hook.

Best NFL Betting Bonuses in Maine

Maine's two licensed sportsbooks offer limited bonuses due to tribal partnership model and strict licensing. Here's what's available:

DraftKings Welcome Offer: Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets (minimum deposit $10). Alternative: 20% First Deposit Match up to $1,000.
Caesars Welcome Offer: Bet $1, Double Your Winnings on Your Next 20 Bets. Profit boosts: 100% boost on next 20 wagers (each up to $2,500).
Total Combined Bonuses: Approximately $2,000-2,500 across both operators.
Daily/Ongoing Promotions: Odds boosts on select NFL games, parlay promotions (occasional), player prop enhancements (frequent), early payouts (if your team leads by set margin).

Note: Maine bonuses are significantly lower than competitive multi-operator markets due to regulatory restrictions and tribal partnership model.

Shurzy tip: Take what you can get in Maine. The bonuses aren't massive, but they're something. DraftKings' deposit match is probably your best bet if you're planning to load up your account anyway.

Popular NFL Bets You Can Make in Maine

Maine's two sportsbooks offer comprehensive NFL betting options. Here's what you can wager on:

Moneyline: Pick outright winner. Example: Patriots -250 vs. Bills +200.
Point Spread: Bet on margin of victory. Example: Patriots -6.5 must win by 7+ points.
Totals (Over/Under): Combined score betting. Example: Patriots-Bills over/under 49.5.
Player Props: Individual performances (passing yards, TDs, receptions).
Team Props: Team-specific outcomes (first-half points, team total score).
Same-Game Parlays (SGP): Combine multiple outcomes from one game.
Futures: Super Bowl winner, division champs, MVP odds.
Live/In-Play Betting: Real-time odds throughout the game.
College Sports: Full college football/basketball betting (excluding Maine universities).

How to Bet on the NFL in Maine: Step-by-Step

Getting started with legal NFL betting in Maine takes just a few minutes. Here's how:

Step 1: Choose a sportsbook (DraftKings or Caesars Sportsbook).
Step 2: Create an account online. Download app or visit website; provide full legal name, address, DOB, and SSN.
Step 3: Verify age (21+) and location. Both operators verify 21+ age and confirm you're physically in Maine via geolocation.
Step 4: Make a deposit. Use credit/debit cards, bank transfer, or other approved methods (minimum $10-15).
Step 5: Claim welcome bonus. Enter promo codes if required; opt into welcome offers before first bet.
Step 6: Navigate to the NFL. Find NFL section, select games and wagers.
Step 7: Place bet. Confirm bet slip and monitor settlement.
Step 8: Withdraw. Cash out winnings via regulated banking (typically 24-48 hours).

Shurzy tip: If you live near the Massachusetts or New Hampshire border, you're technically allowed to use their sportsbooks when you cross state lines. Load up the FanDuel or BetMGM apps before your next trip south. You can't use them in Maine, but you can use them when you're physically in those states.

Responsible Gambling in Maine

Maine provides comprehensive responsible gaming resources. Both DraftKings and Caesars offer deposit limits, session time limits, and self-exclusion options. Maine maintains a centralized self-exclusion program covering all state-regulated sportsbooks and casinos.

Get Help: If you or someone you know struggles with problem gambling, contact the Maine Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537), available 24/7, free, and confidential.

Final Take: Maine's Unique NFL Betting Scene

Tribal partnership exclusivity, two-operator monopoly (Caesars, DraftKings), 10% operator tax, strict advertising restrictions, no major commercial operators (FanDuel, BetMGM absent), and college betting allowed except Maine teams. For Maine residents seeking legal NFL betting, the DraftKings vs. Caesars choice is forced but represents quality platforms. Line shopping between the two is critical given Maine's limited operator options.

Shurzy tip: If you want more action, Massachusetts is right there. But if you're staying put, at least you've got DraftKings and Caesars to work with.

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