NHL Betting: The Best Online Sportsbooks in Maine for Hockey

Maine legalized sports betting on May 2, 2023, granting exclusive rights to the state's four federally recognized tribes. Online betting launched on November 3, 2023, with two licensed sportsbooks: Caesars and DraftKings. While limited compared to multi-operator states, Maine's tribal-controlled market prioritizes consumer protection and supports Native American gaming operations.

Is NHL Betting Legal in Maine?

Yes. Maine legalized sports betting on May 2, 2023, when Governor Janet Mills signed LD 585. Online betting launched on November 3, 2023.

Quick facts:

You must be 21 or older. Maine's sports betting market is structured as a tribal monopoly. The state grants exclusive licensing rights to each of its four federally recognized tribes: Penobscot Indian Nation, Passamaquoddy Tribe, Mi'kmaq Nation, and Maliseet Indians. Each tribe is permitted to partner with one commercial sportsbook operator, theoretically creating up to four online licenses. Currently, only two tribal partnerships are active: Caesars Sportsbook (partnered with three tribes: Maliseet, Mi'kmaq, and Penobscot) and DraftKings Sportsbook. The Maine Gambling Control Unit regulates sports betting. Remote registration is allowed, sign up and bet entirely through mobile apps from anywhere in-state. Geofencing (or downloadable desktop plugin) verifies you're in Maine when placing bets.

Read more: Best Sports Betting Bonuses and Promos in Maine

Tax note: Maine imposes a 10% tax on sports betting revenue, one of the lower rates among regulated states.

Legal books protect your funds and offer consumer protections impossible on offshore sites. Stick with licensed operators.

Top Sportsbooks for NHL Betting in Maine

Maine keeps it simple with two options. Here's how they stack up for hockey.

Caesars Sportsbook

Maine Partners: Maliseet Indians, Mi'kmaq Nation, Penobscot Indian Nation

Caesars launched in Maine on November 3, 2023, in partnership with three of the state's four federally recognized tribes. The platform offers sharp NHL pricing, extensive player props, responsive live betting, and daily odds boosts on select markets. The Caesars Rewards loyalty program provides real value, earn points toward hotel stays, dining, entertainment. Retail presence at Oddfellahs Sports Bar (Portland) launched September 13, 2024.

Welcome offer: Bet $1, Double Your Winnings on Your Next 20 Bets (code SBO20X).

Best for: All Maine hockey bettors, Caesars is the default choice for tribal loyalty partnership.

Shurzy Tip: Caesars Rewards is legit for regular bettors. Stack points, cash them in for Vegas trips, concerts, or comped dinners. Your bookie won't do that.

DraftKings Sportsbook

Maine Partner: Tribal partner varies

DraftKings excels at individual player props, pulling from their daily fantasy sports expertise. Shots on goal, assists, blocked shots, and anytime goal scorer markets are deep and creatively priced. Flash Bets allow rapid in-game wagering. The shared wallet between DFS and sportsbook is convenient for multi-product users.

Welcome offer: Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets + 3 months NBA League Pass (terms vary).

Best for: Prop-focused bettors and DFS players.

Shurzy Tip: DraftKings' Flash Bets are clutch for live betting. Quick one-tap wagers during power plays or momentum shifts, no fumbling through menus while the game's moving.

Read more: NFL Betting: The Ultimate Guide for the 2025/2026 Football Season

NHL Bet Types in Maine

Both Maine sportsbooks offer the full spectrum of NHL bets. Here's what you can play.

Moneyline Betting

Pick the winner, straight up. Compare Caesars vs. DraftKings for best pricing.

Puck Line (-1.5 / +1.5)

Hockey's spread. Favorites must win by 2+ goals (-1.5), underdogs get a 1.5-goal cushion. Pricing may vary between Maine's two books, check both.

Shurzy Tip: Even with just two books in Maine, puck line pricing can vary. A -110 at Caesars might be -105 at DraftKings. Check both before placing your bet, every cent counts over a season.

Total Goals (Over/Under)

Usually set between 5.5 and 6.5 goals per game. Alternative totals available on both Maine books.

Player Props

The fastest-growing NHL market. Anytime goal scorer, shots on goal (3+, 4+), assists, saves (goalies), power play points, and blocked shots. DraftKings offers the deepest menu; Caesars is solid.

Read more: Everything You Need to Know About NBA Prop Betting

Period Betting

Bet specific periods: 1st-period moneyline, 1st-period total, 2nd-period total, 3rd-period moneyline. Both Maine books offer period markets.

Shurzy Tip: Period betting is underrated for tight games. If you're expecting a defensive slugfest, bet the first-period under instead of the full game. You dodge empty-net chaos and overtime coin flips.

Team & Game Props

Team total goals, both teams to score, overtime (yes/no), winning margin, race to 3 goals. Available on both Maine books.

NHL Parlays & Same Game Parlays

Standard and SGP options available on both Maine books. DraftKings offers more SGP customization.

NHL Futures Betting

Stanley Cup winner, Conference winners, division winners, Hart/Vezina/Calder Trophy odds, team win totals. Both Maine books offer futures.

Read more: NHL Betting: The Ultimate Guide for the 2025/2026 Hockey Season

NHL Betting Bonuses & Promos in Maine

Maine's limited two-operator market means smaller promotional calendars compared to multi-operator states. Here's what to watch for.

Welcome Bonuses: Both sportsbooks offer new customer promotions. Caesars offers Bet $1, double winnings on next 20 bets. DraftKings offers Bet $5, Get $200 + 3 months NBA League Pass.

Odds Boosts: Periodic boosts on NHL matchups, particularly regional games and playoff action.

Parlay Profit Boosts: Occasional 3+ leg parlay boosts from both operators.

Daily Boosts (Caesars): Caesars frequently offers daily odds boosts on select NHL markets.

Playoff Specials: Stanley Cup Playoffs bring enhanced promotions from both Maine books.

Shurzy Tip: With only two online operators, promotional value is more limited than multi-operator states. Focus on identifying solid +EV bets based on your own analysis rather than chasing bonuses.

Expert NHL Betting Tips for Maine Bettors

Here's how to bet smarter on hockey in Maine.

1. Watch Goalie Announcements Closely: A backup goalie can flip a line 2-3 goals instantly. Check official team sources 30 minutes before puck drop. Both Maine books update quickly, but there's often a brief window to capture value.
2. Consider Back-to-Back Situations: Teams playing consecutive nights face fatigue. The team on night two of a back-to-back allows more goals. Factor this into totals and puck lines.
3. Shurzy Tip: Back-to-backs hit differently in hockey. If a team's on the second night and traveling, fade them hard. Books price it in somewhat, but casual bettors sleep on this edge, especially late season.
4. Track Pace & Expected Goals (xG): Raw win/loss records can mislead. Expected Goals (xG) measures shot quality and predicts future performance. Free resources: Natural Stat Trick, Evolving Hockey.
5. Home-Ice Advantage Isn't Massive: NHL home advantage is modest, roughly 3-4% edge in win percentage. Don't overweight home teams, but use it as a tiebreaker when models are close.
6. Look for Underdog Value: NHL's low scoring creates frequent underdog wins. Moneylines and +1.5 puck lines often offer value overlooked by casual bettors.
7. Understand Your Line Shopping Limitations: With only two online operators, you cannot shop extensively. Compare Caesars vs. DraftKings, but recognize your options are limited. Focus on identifying genuine +EV opportunities rather than waiting for line movement.
8. Leverage Local Hockey Culture: Maine has strong youth and college hockey traditions. Use your knowledge of college/junior hockey development to inform NHL betting on Maine-educated players or prospects.
9. Monitor Market Expansion: Maine's structure allows up to four tribal partnerships, but only two are currently active. Monitor for potential future expansion if the third or fourth tribe launches a partnership.

How to Start Betting on NHL Games in Maine

Getting started is simple. Here's the play-by-play.

• Pick a licensed sportsbook: Choose from Caesars Sportsbook or DraftKings Sportsbook. Create an account by downloading the app or visiting the website with accurate info (full name, DOB, address, last four of SSN). Must be 21+.
• Remote registration: Means you can open an account from anywhere in Maine, no casino or tribe visit required. Verify identity by uploading your driver's license or passport (verification typically happens within 24 hours).
• Deposit funds: Via debit cards, credit cards, PayPal, or e-wallets. Claim promotions by checking the "Promotions" tab for NHL-specific offers. Navigate to NHL/Hockey to find upcoming games with moneylines, puck lines, totals, and props.
• Compare odds: Check both Caesars and DraftKings before placing bets. Place your first bet, start simple with moneylines, puck lines, or anytime goal scorer. Track results and refine your strategy over time, noting which operator offers better value on specific bet types.
• Beginner-friendly bets: Anytime goal scorer (lower variance), puck lines (better payouts), first-period unders (less chaotic).

Safe, Responsible Hockey Betting in Maine

The Maine Gambling Control Unit ensures both licensed sportsbooks comply with consumer protection laws. Your funds are protected, and identity verification prevents underage gambling. Maine's tribal partnership structure emphasizes responsible gaming standards.

Both Maine sportsbooks offer deposit limits (daily, weekly, monthly), wager limits, time-out periods (24 hours to 6 months), and self-exclusion options. Use these tools proactively.

Responsible Gambling Resources:

• Maine Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)
• National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-522-4700
• Gamblers Anonymous: Meetings throughout Maine

If betting ever feels like a burden, reach out. Maine's resources are confidential and free.

Never bet money you can't afford to lose. Avoid chasing losses. Track your bets. Stick to a plan. Separate betting funds from your everyday account.

Final Thoughts: Maine's Best for NHL Betting

Maine's sports betting market is deliberately conservative with two licensed online sportsbooks by design, reflecting the state's tribal monopoly structure. This approach prioritizes Native American gaming rights, consumer protection, and regulatory oversight.

Caesars Sportsbook is the top overall choice, tribal partnerships across three tribes, loyalty rewards, daily boosts, retail access at Oddfellahs Sports Bar (Portland), and sharp pricing. DraftKings Sportsbook excels for prop-focused bettors who play daily fantasy sports.

Focus on identifying genuine +EV opportunities based on your analysis, exploit promotional value when available, and bet responsibly. Maine's tribal partnership model ensures high regulatory standards and supports Native American gaming operations.