Legalized Online and Retail Sports Betting on its Way to Maine

By: Sara Dalsheim

This week, Maine’s state House and Senate both approved a bill that would legalize online and retail sports betting.  The legislation provides the state’s four federally recognized Indian tribes with a monopoly on mobile sports betting rights.  The state’s two casinos, the Oxford Casino and the Hollywood Casino and Raceway in Bangor have the ability, under the legislation, to offer an in-person sportsbook.  The bill now awaits approval from Gov. Janet Mills.  Gov. Mills vetoed a sports betting bill in 2020 but is expected to sign the current bill.

Pursuant to the bill, 10 retail sportsbook licenses can be awarded; such licenses would be valid for 4 years and subject to a $4,000 fee.  Each of the four tribes are eligible for one mobile sports wagering license, also with a 4-year term but a $200,000 fee.  The tribes can either conduct their own online sports betting operations or partner with a third-party online platform operator to conduct online sports wagering on their behalf.  Any platform operators will be required to obtain a Management Service License.  The state’s Department of Public Safety’s Gaming Control Unit will govern retail and online sports betting; and be in charge of adopting the rules and regulations regarding licensing, reporting requirements, operation maintenance, etc.  At this point, it is unclear how the state plans to treat marketing affiliates for purposes of licensure or registration.

The bill states that bettors have to be 21 or older and physically located in Maine to place a wager.  Bettors would be able to wager on professional, college, and amateur sports; but not any sporting events involving Main’s colleges and universities.  The bill provides that sports betting revenues would be subject to a 10% tax rate.

Update.  Governor Janet Mills signed this bill into law on May 2, 2022.