Online gambling in Maine centres on legal sports betting, pari-mutuel horse racing and daily fantasy, online casino and poker aren’t legal here. This guide covers what’s legal, who’s licensed, and how to get started.
Maine launched mobile sports betting in November 2023 with a model unlike almost any other state: the four Wabanaki Nations hold exclusive rights to online wagering. That means a deliberately small market, just two apps, but a steady and growing one. This guide explains how Maine’s tribal-led system works, what’s legal and how to get started.
In this article 16 sections
- Is online gambling legal in Maine?
- What you can play in Maine
- Online gambling in Maine by the numbers
- A tribal-exclusive market
- Sportsbooks available in Maine
- Popular bets and Maine sports
- Bet types explained
- Choosing a Maine sportsbook
- How to start betting in Maine
- Will Maine legalize online casino?
- Is online gambling safe in Maine?
- Responsible gambling in Maine
- Maine sports betting FAQ
- Legal options in Maine
- Online Casinos in Maine
- Horse Betting in Maine
Is online gambling legal in Maine?
Yes. Maine legalized mobile sports betting under LD 585 (2022), which granted the state’s four federally recognized Wabanaki Nations exclusive online wagering rights, and the market launched on 3 November 2023, regulated by the Maine Gambling Control Unit. The tribes partner with two technology platforms, DraftKings and Caesars, which are the only legal mobile sportsbooks in the state. You must be 21 or older and physically located in Maine to bet, confirmed by geolocation. Real-money online casino is not legal in Maine.
What you can play in Maine
- sports betting in Maine: mobile betting from the two tribal-licensed operators.
- Daily fantasy sports: legal in Maine through DraftKings, FanDuel, PrizePicks, Underdog and Sleeper.
- Horse racing: pari-mutuel wagering for Maine bettors through licensed ADW apps.
- Online casino: not yet legal in Maine, see the outlook below.
Online gambling in Maine by the numbers
| Metric | Latest figure |
|---|---|
| Launched | 3 November 2023 |
| Tax rate | 10% of revenue |
| Monthly handle | Roughly $60, 65 million |
| Operators | 2 (DraftKings, Caesars) |
| Online casino | Not legal |
| Minimum age | 21+ |
A tribal-exclusive market
Maine’s defining feature is who controls it. Under LD 585, the four Wabanaki Nations, the Penobscot Nation, Passamaquoddy Tribe, Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians and Mi’kmaq Nation, were granted exclusive rights to operate online sports betting, a deliberate economic-development measure. Each tribe partners with a national technology provider, which is why Maine’s entire mobile market runs through just two brands: DraftKings and Caesars. The state taxes operator revenue at a modest 10%.
It’s a small but healthy market: Maine handles roughly $60, 65 million a month, more than its tiny New England neighbours, and tax receipts land right around the 10% level. The trade-off of the exclusive model is limited choice, there’s no broad field of competing apps, but the two operators are established national brands with full feature sets. Maine allows betting on college sports, with standard responsible-gambling protections built into both apps.
In the small-state Northeast, Maine actually leads on volume: its roughly $60, 65 million in monthly handle outpaces both Vermont and Delaware, even though its 10% tax means the state keeps a smaller share of each dollar than Vermont’s revenue-share model does. The tribal-exclusive structure was designed as much for economic development as for gambling revenue, channelling a new industry to the Wabanaki Nations, which is part of why Maine’s market looks so different from the open, multi-operator states to its south.
Sportsbooks available in Maine
Maine’s tribal-exclusive model means only two mobile sportsbooks operate in the state: DraftKings and Caesars. We don’t currently partner with either, so you won’t find our offers on this page, we only feature operators we work with and can verify. This guide is here to explain how Maine’s market works; if you bet in Maine, those two licensed apps are your legal options.
For more, see our Maine sportsbook guide and promo codes page.
Popular bets and Maine sports
Maine has no major pro franchise, so the state leans heavily on nearby Boston teams, the Patriots, Celtics, Bruins and Red Sox, while the UMaine Black Bears carry the college flag (hockey especially). Standard Maine markets, moneylines, spreads, totals and parlays/same-game parlays, are all available through the two licensed apps. The NFL drives the most handle.
A practical note for Maine bettors: because the market runs entirely through the Wabanaki Nations’ two partners, there’s none of the broad price-shopping across a dozen books you’d find in an open market. The upside is that DraftKings and Caesars are both mature national apps, so the core betting experience, live odds, same-game parlays, cash-out, is on par with much larger states. Every legal bet is placed on a phone; there are no retail sportsbooks in Maine. Set a deposit limit before you start, and use each app’s responsible-gambling tools.
Bet types explained
The betting menu in Maine comes down to essentials. Start with the Maine moneyline, a clean pick of who wins, the Black Bears to take it. Add the point spread, which handicaps the favorite, and the total, a bet on combined scoring rather than the Maine winner. For bigger swings, Maine bettors use parlays (several legs, all must win), same-game parlays from a single the Black Bears matchup, futures on the season, and live in-play markets that track the Black Bears in real time.
Choosing a Maine sportsbook
With only two licensed apps, the decision comes down to DraftKings versus Caesars: DraftKings is strong on same-game parlays and its app, while Caesars leans on its rewards program and odds boosts. Both are established national brands with full feature sets. Whichever you choose, look at the welcome offer, market depth and withdrawal speed.
How to start betting in Maine
Signing up in Maine is quick, be 21+ and inside Maine, pick a licensed Maine sportsbook, and create an account with accurate information for verification. After opting into the Maine promo and depositing, set your limits, place your first Maine bet, and cash out whenever the offer’s Maine conditions are satisfied.
Will Maine legalize online casino?
Not yet. Maine has no online-casino law, though the tribal-exclusive framework that brought sports betting could shape any future iGaming debate. For now, sports betting, DFS and horse racing are the only legal online options, stick to the two licensed apps rather than offshore sites. We’ll keep this Maine page updated if that changes.
For the full picture, see our Maine online casino guide, which tracks whether and when real-money iGaming might reach Maine.
Is online gambling safe in Maine?
Yes, provided you use the two operators licensed through the Maine Gambling Control Unit and the Wabanaki Nations, DraftKings and Caesars. Licensed apps are audited for fair odds and prompt payouts, protect deposits, and verify identity, age and location before each bet, the safeguards Maine bettors would gain from a regulated market. Any other “Maine” sportsbook is an unregulated offshore site, so stick to the two licensed apps.
Responsible gambling in Maine
Keep Maine betting in proportion: it is entertainment in Maine, and your stake should be money you can afford to lose. Use the limit, time-out and self-exclusion controls every licensed Maine app provides, and set them up front rather than mid-streak. Help for Maine bettors is free and confidential 24/7 on 1-800-GAMBLER.
Maine sports betting FAQ
1. Is online sports betting legal in Maine?
Yes. Mobile sports betting launched on 3 November 2023, regulated by the Maine Gambling Control Unit. The four Wabanaki Nations hold exclusive rights, operating through DraftKings and Caesars. You must be 21+ and physically inside Maine.
2. How many sportsbooks does Maine have?
Two: DraftKings and Caesars. Maine’s market is exclusive to the Wabanaki Nations, who partner with those two national platforms.
3. Is online casino legal in Maine?
No. Real-money online casino games are not legal in Maine, only sports betting, DFS and horse racing.
4. Why does Maine have only two sportsbooks?
Because a 2022 law granted the four Wabanaki Nations exclusive online sports betting rights as an economic-development measure. Each partners with a technology provider, producing a two-operator market.
5. Does american.bet have Maine offers?
No. We only feature operators we work with and can verify, and we don’t currently partner with Maine’s two licensed books. This page explains how the Maine market works rather than promoting offers.
6. Are prediction markets like Kalshi legal in Maine?
Prediction markets such as Kalshi are open to Maine residents because they count as federal financial contracts rather than Maine sports betting. That keeps them national even where Maine limits books, but it is genuinely unresolved, courts backed Kalshi against state regulators in 2026 and appeals continue. Maine players should see them as a different, CFTC-governed product.
7. Are sweepstakes casinos legal in Maine?
Sweepstakes casinos like Chumba, LuckyLand and Stake.us reach Maine adults through a virtual-currency model designed to sit outside Maine gambling licensing. That leaves Maine players in a grey area with weaker safeguards than a regulated site, one regulators keep testing, so use them cautiously in Maine.
8. Is daily fantasy sports (DFS) legal in Maine?
Yes, daily fantasy sports operate in Maine as a contest-based activity separate from Maine sportsbook wagering. DraftKings and FanDuel lead the Maine field, joined by pick’em apps PrizePicks, Underdog and Sleeper.
9. Can I bet on horse racing online in Maine?
Yes, Maine bettors can wager on horse racing via regulated ADW platforms like TVG (FanDuel Racing), TwinSpires and AmWager, a separate product from Maine sports betting.
10. Where can I get help for a gambling problem in Maine?
Help in Maine is free, confidential and available 24/7, call or text 1-800-GAMBLER, or use the deposit limits, cool-off periods and self-exclusion tools in every licensed Maine app. Nobody in Maine has to be in crisis to reach out.
21+. Must be physically located in Maine. Gambling problem in Maine? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Legal options in Maine
- Maine sports betting
Online Casinos in Maine
You can play casino games in Maine’s land-based establishments, but not via the internet. The foundations of the Pine Tree State are very much mixed in with the historic Maine gambling scene, and even now, you can find a few casinos, racing, and high-stakes bingo venues. You can enjoy a full range of gambling games in two key areas of the state, but Maine online casino gaming is still classed as illegal. Given how relatively new the current legal and regulated casino scene is in the state, it seems that lawmakers aren’t feeling inclined to expand into internet gambling just yet.
Online Casino Sites in Maine
You can’t gamble for real money at Maine online casino sites. As it stands, it is illegal to gamble for real money at an online casino in Maine. Although, the four land-based state gambling destinations are proving to be plenty for the state’s residents. As the venues are fairly new, and one is regularly seeking expansion permission, Maine casino plans don’t appear to be a pressing matter at the moment.
Maine Sweepstakes Online Casinos 2025
For Maine residents who enjoy the excitement of online casino games but prefer not to risk their own money, social casinos are the perfect solution. These legal platforms allow players to enjoy games for free using gold coins, with the option to upgrade to sweeps coins for a chance to win prizes like gift cards, merchandise, and even real cash on occasion. Here’s a list of the top sweepstakes casinos accessible in Maine:
- Gambino Slots
- High 5 Casino
- Chanced Casino
- WOW Vegas Casino
- Pulz Casino
- Stake.us Casino
- NoLimit Coins Casino
- FunRize Casino
- RealPrize.com Casino
- Pulsz Casino
- New Legendz Casino
- LuckyLand Slots
- Fortune Coins Casino
- Funzpoints Casino
- McLuck Casino
: They’ll give you 100,000 gold coins and 200 free spins as a no-deposit welcome bonus to get you started at Gambino Slots. Numerous daily promotions enable further access to free gold coins. There are 150 games to play. Unlike other social casinos, Gambino Slots doesn’t offer a sweepstakes option, you play purely for fun.
High 5 Casino: The 1,200 games offered inside High 5 Casino include slots, table games, and a live dealer studio. Their game providers include top developers such as IGT and Pragmatic Play. The High 5 Casino mobile app works smoothly on both Android and iOS devices. Newcomers receive a no-deposit welcome package of 250 gold coins, five sweeps coins, and 600 diamonds. Diamonds are a unique currency that can boost gameplay and increase the chances of a big win.
Chanced Casino: Whether you prefer slots, table games, or live dealer action, you’ll find it all at Chanced Casino. They offer a sleek mobile app compatible with both iOS and Android devices. Their welcome bonus includes 10,000 gold coins, two sweeps coins, and 20 free spins on the slot
Eye of the Panda. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Casino Games
You can’t play the best online casino games in Maine for real money. Just as you can’t access online casinos in Maine, you can’t put cash into any of the internet’s real money opportunities, either, as there are no online casino sites permitted in the state. You will find free-to-play offerings around the web which are permitted, but for playing real gambling games, you’ll need to make your way to one of the state-licensed or tribal venues in the Pine Tree State.
Online Casino Apps in Maine
You can’t gamble for real money via an online casino app in Maine. Without a legal online casino in Maine, you can bet that there isn’t a legal Maine mobile casino app either, as the two generally go hand-in-hand. They may seem like lighter versions to some, but most online casino apps boast a full range of games, and so, they too are subject to the anti-internet gambling laws of the state.
Top Land-based Casinos in Maine
Although there isn’t an online casino in Maine, you can gamble at two land-based venues in the state. The traditional gambling scene of Maine may be quaint in comparison to other states, but it remains popular with residents. There is a high-stakes bingo hall run by the Penobscot Indian Nation, and a racetrack in Scarborough, as well as two casino venues:
- The Oxford Casino, Oxford, a casino and hotel with around 970 slot machines.
- Hollywood Casino Hotel & Raceway, Bangor, which is also a racino.
Bonuses in Maine
You can’t claim bonuses at online casinos in Maine. Without a legal Maine online casino to speak of, there aren’t any welcome bonuses, free spins, or other promotions for you to claim. But if the state legalizes online gambling, the bonuses on offer in other legal gambling states should give an accurate indication of what to expect.
Top Three Bonus Offers in Maine
You can’t get the top bonus offers for online casinos in Maine. In the handful of states that permit online casinos, this section features promo codes, free spins, bonus cash, and loyalty rewards, but as Maine doesn’t allow these sites, it doesn’t allow the bonus offers either.
FAQ
See if our answers to some frequently asked questions help you navigate the Maine gambling scene.
How much does the IRS tax gambling winnings in Maine?
All gambling winnings are taxed at a rate of 24 percent by the IRS under taxable income.
Where can I play casino games in Maine?
The two casino gaming venues are situated on 777 Casino Way, Oxford (Oxford Casino), and 500 Main Street, Bangor (Hollywood Casino Hotel & Raceway Bangor).
When will Maine online casino gaming become legal?
Maine doesn’t look to be moving towards legalizing and regulating online casinos anytime soon.
What is the Legal Gambling Age in Maine?
You have to be 21-years-old or older to play casino games in Maine. The legal age of Maine gambling is split across its forms, with you needing to meet the higher entry level of being at least 21 years of age to play poker or casino games.
Tax When Gambling in Maine?
You will need to file your gambling winnings as income with the state and IRS. In Maine, the income tax rate scales from 5.8 to 7.15 percent, with you needing to report your gambling winnings as taxable income. You must also disclose the winnings as income to the IRS.
Horse Betting in Maine
Maine online horse betting is legal, although there is a lack of presence from the major wagering operators. The Pine Tree State does not have restrictions against online horse betting in Maine, but wagering providers such as TVG and NYRA Bets have been reluctant to move into the region. Residents can place bets in-person at a racetrack and off-site betting parlors when wagering in Maine. However, the Maine online betting sites are limited to only a few providers that are not at the forefront of the industry. To participate in online horse betting in Maine you must be 18-years-old.
Horse Betting Sites in Maine
When online horse betting in Maine, residents do have access to some sites. However, leaders in the industry such as TVG, TwinSpires and AmWager do not have a presence in the region. It follows the pattern from sports betting, which is not legal in the state, while even daily fantasy sites are not allowed to operate. Lawmakers have been looking to ease regulations regarding all online betting, but those have yet to come to fruition.
Best Horse Betting Apps in Maine 2023
As the leading operators are not present in the state, Maine online horse betting apps are sparse and lacking in the quality that other regions enjoy. Whether regulations are eased in the future to allow a greater standard of horse racing betting apps to become available in the Pine Tree State remains to be seen. However, there are outstanding products out there for Maine online horse betting if lawmakers remove those stringent practices in the future.
Top Three Bonus Offers in Maine
Unlike in other areas of the United States, Maine online horse betting users are not able to access the intriguing welcome bonuses and offers provided by the leading operators in the industry. These can include deposit bonuses and no-sweat bets after signing-up.
Horse Racing Tracks in Maine
Since Maine online horse betting sites are thin on the ground, residents have to venture to the state’s only racetrack to place in-person bets.
- Hollywood Casino Hotel and Raceway, Based in Bangor, the venue offers spectators the chance to view its harness racing. It’s the only venue where wagering in Maine is possible where you can then spectate a live race.
Scarborough Downs was open for 70 years, but it closed its operation down in November 2020.
Local and Major Horse Betting Events in Maine
When horse betting in Maine, residents are restricted in their race-viewing options considering the lack of traditional racing in the Pine Tree State. The state allows only harness racing to occur within its borders at the Hollywood Casino Hotel and Raceway. There are occasional events to interest Maine online horse betting enthusiasts with eight pari-mutuel fairs held every year. However, the main interest for fans of the sport comes from national events such as the Triple Crown, featuring the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes. Odds are available on those events when wagering in Maine.
Types of Horse Racing Bets in Maine
There are multiple ways to wager through Maine online horse betting in pari-mutuel wagering.
- Win, Pick the horse you believe will win the race outright.
- Place/Show, This is where you believe that the horse will finish in the top two or top three of the race, respectively.
- Exacta/Trifecta, This wager sees you attempt to predict the order of the race, selecting the horses to finish first and second or first, second or third.
FAQ
Is online horse betting legal in Maine?
Yes. Maine online horse betting is legal, but the leading operators in the industry are not present in the region.
How old do you have to be to bet on horse racing in Maine?
When wagering in Maine on horse racing you must be 18-years-old.
Are there any racetracks in Maine?
Yes. There is one racetrack left for in-person horse betting in Maine at the Hollywood Casino Hotel and Raceway in Bangor.
Do I have to pay tax on betting winnings in Maine?
Participants in horse betting in Maine will be liable to pay tax on their winnings. You must report the correct amount of your earnings on your income tax. Winnings over $5,000 will be liable up to 24% in federal tax.