Maine will launch its legal online and retail sports betting markets tomorrow (3 November), with players able to start placing wagers from 9am local time.
Milt Champion, executive director for the Maine Gambling Control Unit (GCU), confirmed the news to iGB ahead of the launch. This comes after the Department of Public Safety (DPS) and GCU announced rules for wagering in Maine have been adopted.
Licensed operators and their management service were permitted to begin promoting their offerings from 1 November. They have also been able to accept registrations and deposits in preparation for tomorrow’s launch.
“I’d like to thank the dedicated staff at DPS, GCU, Adcare Maine Problem Gambling Services, the attorney-general’s Office and the sports wagering industry for their input and patience in the rulemaking process,” Champion said.
Long road to sports betting in Maine
The confirmed launch comes almost 18 months after sports betting was legalised in Maine.
The state’s governor, Janet Mills, signed a bill allowing retail and online sports betting. However, the twist in LD 585 is that internet sports wagering can only be operated by approved tribes in the state.
Each tribe may apply for a licence to operate online betting. Tribes may also partner with one online operator each to support their offering.
As for retail wagering, combined racetracks and off-track betting facilities in Maine can apply for land-based licences.
The bill also refers to mobile gaming. Should this ever be made legal in Maine, the tribes must be provided the same market access as commercial operators.
DraftKings set for Maine launch with Passamaquoddy tribe
Earlier this week, DraftKings announced it had reached an agreement in principle to partner with the Passamaquoddy tribe and launch an online sportsbook in Maine.
The deal remains subject to licensing and regulatory approvals. Should it get the green light, DraftKings and the Passamaquoddy tribe will jointly launch the Maine-facing sports betting offering.
Players will be able to access the DraftKings sports betting app. This offers a range of sports betting options across various leagues and competitions.
The launch would also mark the 25th US state in which DraftKings offers sports wagering.
