Maine is set to debut its legal online and retail sports betting markets tomorrow, allowing players to begin placing bets from 9 am local time. Milt Champion, executive director for the Maine Gambling Control Unit (GCU), confirmed the news to iGB ahead of the launch. The Department of Public Safety (DPS) and GCU announced that rules for wagering in Maine have been adopted, allowing operators and their management services to begin promoting their offerings from November 1st.
Preparations for the launch have included accepting registrations and deposits in anticipation of the opening of the market. Champion expressed his gratitude to various organizations and individuals involved in the rulemaking process, including the staff at DPS, GCU, Adcare Maine Problem Gambling Services, the attorney-general’s Office, and the sports wagering industry.
The launch comes nearly 18 months after sports betting was legalized in Maine, with the governor, Janet Mills, signing a bill allowing for retail and online sports betting. However, internet sports wagering is restricted to approved tribes within the state. Each tribe may apply for a license to operate online betting and can partner with a single online operator to support their offering. Combined racetracks and off-track betting facilities in Maine are also eligible to apply for land-based licenses for retail wagering.
DraftKings recently announced an agreement in principle to partner with the Passamaquoddy tribe and launch an online sportsbook in Maine, subject to licensing and regulatory approvals. If approved, the Passamaquoddy tribe will work with DraftKings to launch the Maine-facing sports betting offering. Players will have access to the DraftKings sports betting app, which offers a variety of options across different sports leagues and competitions. This launch would make Maine the 25th US state in which DraftKings offers sports wagering.