The Maine Gambling Control Unit (MGCU) has announced that the state’s legal sports betting industry will launch on November 3rd at 9am.
According to a press release issued yesterday (October 31st), the rules for sports wagering in the state have officially been adopted. This means that licensed sports betting operators can begin accepting pre-registrations from customers starting today, November 1st 2023. Customers can also make deposits into their accounts from today ahead of Friday’s launch.
Sportsbooks Primed for Launch
Ahead of the launch of sports betting in Maine, the MGCU previously revealed that the Penobscot, Maliseet and Mi’kmaq tribes had agreed deals with Caesars Sportsbook for mobile sports betting.
Today, the Passamaquoddy Tribe confirmed that it has agreed a deal with DraftKings to run it mobile sports betting app in the state. The news of the deal comes despite the Sports Betting Alliance, which represents DraftKings, BetMGM, Fanatics and FanDuel, previously stating that its members would not take part in Maine’s mobile sports betting industry.
Meanwhile, BetMGM has been selected as a partner for retail sports betting with two sportsbooks set to launch at OTB outlets in Waterville and Sanford. Penn Entertainment and Churchill Downs run the state’s two casinos that will be permitted to open retail sportsbooks. Hollywood Casino will most likely be affiliated with the newly launched brand ESPN Bet following its partnership deal with casino owner Penn Entertainment.
An experienced iGaming commentator and analyst based in New York City - Jenny reports on regulation and gambling industry news and events.