The face of sports betting in the Pine Tree State could have a new look and direction when November hits the calendar next week.
The third version of updated Maine sports betting rules and regulations has already been submitted to Attorney General Aaron Frey’s office for review, according to Maine’s Gambling Control Unit (MGCU) and it is expected that approval on those could happen when the calendar turns to November next Wednesday or shortly thereafter. They will then go to the Secretary of State’s office for final approval, more than likely taking less than a week.
Once the office posts the rules for adoption, then mobile sports wagering will go live.
For any mobile provider that’s submitted an application request for a temporary license, those licenses will then be distributed that day.
Details For Later In 2023
It is expected that the state will launch legal mobile sports betting between Sunday, Nov. 5 and Wednesday, Nov. 15, becoming the fourth state to legalize sports betting this year. Four mobile licenses are available.
Caesars Sportsbook Maine will supply its mobile sports betting/gaming platform to the Mi’kmak Nation, the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, and the Penobscot Nation tribes. The Passamaquoddy Tribe has not yet announced a partnership with a specific platform but is expected to do so prior to the launch taking place.
Retail sportsbook locations in the state will not be ready to open till late 2023 or early 2024.
There are two commercial casinos in Maine: Hollywood Slots Hotel & Raceway (PENN Entertainment), Bangor and Oxford Casino (Churchill Downs) and six off-track betting facilities in the state. All would be eligible for a retail sports betting license.
Some other sports betting details: each tribe will pay a 10% tax on gaming revenue; license renewal will be required ($200,000 every four years); brick-and-mortar licenses will cost $4,000 to renew every four years; betting on in-state college teams is prohibited; minimum age of 21 to bet.
The MGCU’s next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 15.
