Is Sports Betting Legal in Maine?
As of August 8, 2022, Maine has made sports betting legal. The Pine Tree State joined the large number of states across the country that have now legalized sports betting. Governor Janet Mills signed the new legislation into effect, but it’s taken some time for the regulatory process to complete.
As of now, the first legal ME sportsbooks have yet to arrive. However, experts predict they’ll launch by the end of November 2023. For now, sports fans across the state will have to wait, but Thanksgiving will hopefully bring another reason to be thankful. Both retail and online sportsbooks will be available, and the Maine Gambling Control Unit will oversee the industry.
Timeline of Maine Sports Betting
- 2019 – Maine passed a sports betting bill on the last day of the legislative session. However, it wasn’t signed into law immediately and was left until 2020.
- 2020 – Unfortunately for sports fans, Governor Janet Mills vetoed the bill. While the Senate overruled the veto, the House could not, so the bill got shelved.
- 2021 – A new sports betting bill managed to pass the House and Senate after some amendments. However, it eventually failed to be finalized and didn’t reach the Governor before the legislature was adjourned.
- 2022 – Once again, a sports betting bill passes through the Senate and reaches Governor Janet Mills. This time, the Governor signed the bill into law, and it was made official on August 8.
Maine Sports Betting at a Glance
| Maine retail sports betting legal status | Legal but not available yet |
| Maine online sports betting legal status | Legal but not available yet |
| Maine online sports betting launch date | Estimated by November 2023 |
| Maine sports betting regulator | Maine Gambling Control Unit |
| Number of sportsbook licenses available | Four online, ten retail |
| Total bets placed in first month | N/A |
| Sportsbook tax rate | 10% retail, 16% online |
Top ME Sportsbooks
For now, we’re still waiting on the first Maine sportsbooks to go live. Once we know which sites are available, we’ll review them and let you know which ones are worth joining.
Choosing a Sportsbook in Maine
To start betting online, you must first choose a sportsbook and make an account. While legal sports betting hasn’t launched yet, there are sure to be lots of top betting sites available. To make your decision on which site to join, you should consider these factors:
Reviews
The easiest way to get an idea of what different betting sites have to offer is by reading sportsbook reviews. We personally join and test out all available ME sportsbooks when they launch, making sure they offer a quality betting experience.
By using our impartial and up-to-date research, you can work out which site is best for you. We only ever recommend the best sites that are legal, licensed, fair, and easy to use. Our review team consists of experienced bettors, so we know what makes a great sportsbook and which features are most important.
Bonuses
One of the best things about online and mobile betting compared to retail sportsbooks is that you can claim bonuses. Unlock these special promotions by signing up and following the instructions, and use them to find more value from your bets.
There are loads of great promotions available. Some are better than others, though, and before you sign up and claim your promo, make sure you’ve read the full terms. The best sportsbooks offer bonuses that are fair and easy to use. Some popular bonus offers include:
- Risk-free bets
- Matched deposit bonuses
- Bet credits
- Loyalty rewards
- No deposit bonuses
Odds and Lines
Odds make a huge difference to your profit, affecting how much you make from your winning bets. Before you sign up, it pays to check the odds and compare them to other sites, especially on your favorite sports.
Data from top sportsbooks shows that major events typically have similar odds and lines. Despite this, value’s always available, especially as the lines can change a lot over time. As the public places their bets, the sportsbooks react and you’ll see the lines and odds adjusting.
Sports and Markets
ME betting sites will let you place bets on almost any sport and event worldwide. The best sites feature a long list of options to choose from, including all the biggest and best US competitions as well as international leagues. Greater variety gives you a better chance of finding value, so it’s always worth choosing a sportsbook that has plenty of options.
Popular sports to bet on include:
- NFL
- NBA
- MLB
- NHL
- MLS
- College Sports
- Tennis
- Premier League Soccer
- Champions League Soccer
- MMA
It’s worth looking at the available markets too. Most sportsbooks will offer a lot of betting options for major events, though the number of markets often decreases for less popular sports and competitions. Once again, more variety gives you more chance of finding value.
Popular betting markets at major sportsbooks include:
- Moneyline
- Point spread
- Point total
- Player props
- Game props
- Futures
- Parlays
- Same game parlays
Usability
A lot of top-rated sportsbooks enhance the user experience by offering things like cash out and live streaming. These make betting more intuitive and fun, with more ways to enjoy your favorite sports.
Aside from offering great features and value, you want to make sure that the site you choose is easy to use. The signing-up process shouldn’t take more than a few minutes, and finding your way around the site should be very simple too. Before you join, take a look at the menus and how straightforward the app or site is to use.
Payments
For real money betting, you need to have funds available in your account. When you join a sportsbook, you’ll be able to use any of the accepted payment methods. The best sportsbooks allow instant deposits with no fees and feature a range of popular payment services.
The process of cashing out should always be simple too. Ideally, it shouldn’t take more than a few hours for your funds to show up after you’ve requested a withdrawal. Some sites may take longer to approve requests, but if you choose a quality site, you’ll never need to wait around for days wondering where your money is.
Customer Support
Quality customer support is more important than ever, especially when many sites have similar odds and features. When signing up and placing bets, it’s always good to know that the support team is available to sort things out if you have any issues.
Before you join a sportsbook, make sure it has easy and fast access to the team, with options such as:
- FAQ page
- Live chat
- Phone support
- Email support
- Social media pages
How to Join a Maine Sportsbook
Once the first ME betting sites go live, you’re free to sign up and make an account. It’s really easy to get started. You just have to follow these steps:
- Choose a licensed and legal Maine sportsbook and visit the site or download the app on your device
- Select the Join Now option and begin the sign up process by filling in your information
- Agree to the sportsbook terms and conditions and set up your username and password
- Verify your identity by uploading your ID and comple the geolocation check
- You’re ready to make a deposit and start betting
Deposits at ME Sportsbooks Explained
Deposits at ME sportsbooks should be straightforward based on our experience at other legal betting sites. Once the first ME sportsbooks go live, we can tell you more. What we know for now is that once you sign in, you’ll be able to set up deposits from the cashier.
There’s normally a minimum deposit amount. Then, you choose from a list of different payment options. Whichever you choose, your funds will be instantly available in your account once you approve the deposit.
Popular payment methods at legal sportsbooks include:
- Online banking
- Debit/credit cards
- Wire transfer
- ACH/eCheck
- PayPal
- Paynearme
Your Guide to Maine Sportsbook Promos
We can’t say for certain whether Maine sportsbooks will have betting promos for you to claim. However, looking at the data, we do know that every other state with legal mobile betting has had access to some fantastic bonuses and special offers.
Before you make your deposit, it’s a good idea to look at the terms of the promotions so you can claim them easily. Reading the full terms will help you understand how to use the offer and how to get the most out of it. Below are some of the most common promo terms you’ll likely encounter.
| Terms and Conditions | Example | Explanation |
| Wagering requirement/rollover | 25x | Complete the wagering to withdraw your bonus |
| Promo code | BONUS10 | Enter the promo code when making a deposit to claim your bonus |
| Minimum deposit | $20 | Deposit at least this amount to claim the bonus |
| Minimum bet | $10 | Make a bet of at least this amount to claim the bonus |
| Minimum odds | -200 | Make a bet at these odds or greater to claim the bonus |
How to Claim Your Payout at ME Sportsbooks
When you have funds in your account, you should be able to request a withdrawal at any time. Most sportsbooks have minimum withdrawal amounts, as well as maximum limits you can withdraw. Before you add any funds, be sure to check this or read our ME sportsbook reviews for a better idea.
You can start your payout by following these steps:
- Log into your account and open the cashier page
- Check you have available funds to withdraw, then choose your payment option
- Enter the amount you’d like to withdraw and confirm it to start the process
Payout process times vary depending on the sportsbook and your payment method. In most cases, you won’t have to wait more than 48 hours for the betting site to confirm your withdrawal. However, the actual time it can take for your funds to reach you depends on your choice of payment method. Here are some common payout processing times for different options:
| Payment Method | Withdrawal Time |
| Debit card | 1-5 days |
| PayPal | 30 minutes to 1 day |
| Bank transfer | 1-7 days |
Mobile Betting in Maine
Although the first sportsbooks haven’t gone live in Maine just yet, we do know that mobile betting will be available. The law allows for sportsbooks to operate on mobile devices, meaning that you can access your account and place bets on the go.
Mobile betting is as simple as loading your preferred sportsbook in your mobile browser. You can log in, make payments, and access all odds, markets, and features that you’d find on the desktop site. You don’t need to download anything to start betting on mobile, but most sportsbooks also offer an app that you can install on your device. Whether you use a smartphone or tablet, the app makes things a lot more convenient.
The Most Popular ME Sports to Bet On
As a small state with a population of just 1.3 million, Maine isn’t home to any major league franchises. However, that doesn’t mean that it doesn’t care about sports. People across the state tune in regularly to the biggest games, and many fans even travel to neighboring states to watch in person. Here are some of the most popular sports in the state, all of which you’ll be able to bet on from November.
NFL
Football is certainly the most popular sport in the country, both in terms of viewing figures and real money wagers. The new season is now underway, and although Maine residents won’t be able to bet on it in its entirety, betting on the Super Bowl should be possible based on the current timeline. The New England Patriots are perhaps the most followed franchise in ME, with a lot of Mainers following their success.
NBA
Basketball is growing in popularity every year thanks to the excitement of the NBA. The start of the Playoffs is one of the most exciting times of the year to be a sports fan. Although there’s no local NBA team, many fans in the state follow franchises from neighboring states, including the Boston Celtics. As one of the best teams in the league, it’s no surprise that so many people in ME get excited about the Playoffs.
MLB
Baseball is perhaps the most popular sport in Maine, even if its popularity has waned somewhat across the rest of the country. There’s no MLB team based in the state, although many fans enjoy watching the Minor League team, the Portland Seadogs. The team often sells out its 7,000-seater stadium, even though it last won a title in 2006. When following the MLB, there are a lot of people who enjoy supporting the Boston Red Sox.
NHL
Hockey is another highly popular sport across Maine. While the NHL is the dominant league and the home of the best talent in the world, Mainers like to follow their two local sides. The Maine Mariners compete in the ECHL, while the Maine Nordiques play in the NAHL. Both attract a lot of support, although many fans also follow teams like the Bruins from neighboring Boston, Massachusetts.
MLS
Soccer may be the biggest sport in Europe, but it’s never reached the same kind of popularity in North America. However, the MLS is growing fast, and more people are getting into soccer every year. With lots of exciting talents now playing in the US, there’s never been a better time to watch. In addition, Maine will soon be home to a new USL team which will be based in Portland.
College Sports
Not to be overlooked, college sports are just as important to many people as the major professional leagues. All over the country, college stadiums host some of the biggest crowds and fiercest rivalries. The Maine Black Bears are the state’s only Division I team, but there are plenty of others to watch in lower divisions. You can bet on college sports in Maine but not on in-state colleges.
Why Join Multiple Maine Sportsbooks
The first sportsbooks haven’t arrived in Maine just yet. However, there are sure to be lots to choose from when they finally go live. Most states with legal betting have a variety of licensed betting sites to choose from, and there’s nothing to stop you from joining as many as you like. There are lots of advantages to signing up to multiple sportsbooks, including the following.
More Bonuses
Every sportsbook you join will offer promotions for you to take advantage of. While many sites have regular offers, you can only ever claim one welcome bonus for each app you join. Still, there’s no reason why you can create an account at every sportsbook available in the state, claiming bonuses from each. Provided you follow the terms, you’ll be able to maximize the value you get from betting on your favorite sports.
Better Odds
The odds vary a lot between sportsbooks, even on major events. This makes a big impact on your profits, and it’s a good idea to always look for the best odds before you place your bet. Having an account at all of the top betting sites is the easiest way to do this, as you’ll be able to instantly view the odds and place a bet. It also ensures you take the best line before it moves, which can happen very quickly.
Unique Features
Most sportsbooks offer unique features to stand out from the crowd and market themselves to customers. If you want to make the most of these features and find out which ones you like the best, it’s worth joining all of the recommended ME sportsbooks. There’s lots to enjoy, including unique markets, live streaming, and special promotions. Don’t miss out and sign up to all the top betting sites to get the best possible experience.
Maine Betting FAQ
Is sports betting legal in Maine?
Yes, sports betting has been legalized in ME. However, no licensed sportsbooks have launched yet. The state made betting on sports officially legal as of August, 8 2022. Still, more than one year on, and it’s still not possible to place bets. It’s expected that the first sportsbooks will go live in November 2023. When they do, you’ll find more details here.
How do I sign up to an online ME sportsbook?
Right now, it’s not possible to sign up to a legal sportsbook in Maine. While betting has been legalized, no sites have been licensed as yet. Once they do launch, you’ll be able to sign up by providing your full details, including name, address, and contact information. ME sportsbooks will also require you to verify your ID.
Can I claim betting promos at Maine sportsbooks?
Although the first sportsbooks haven’t gone live in Maine yet, we expect them to all offer betting promos. These are special offers and bonuses that you can claim when you sign up, deposit, and start betting. You’ll find the best Maine betting promos right here, including details on how to make the most of them.
Are Maine sportsbooks compatible with mobile devices?
When the first sites launch, we’ll know for certain. However, based on what’s already available in other states, we can say with good confidence that they will be. Once the first sportsbooks go live, you should be able to access them on the go using your smartphone or tablet. In other states with legal betting, you can also download sports betting apps to make the experience even easier.
Sources
Author
Tom Edlin is a senior author and contributor to SportsbookPromo.com. He's been writing and reporting on the US sports betting industry for years and has crafted hundreds of in-depth reviews and guides.
