The Maine Gambling Control Unit (MGCU) has confirmed that rules and regulations for sports betting have been submitted to the Attorney General’s Office for review.
While no exact date for a Maine sports betting launch has been given, local reports suggest that it’s likely sportsbooks will begin taking bets at some point in the first week of November of 2023.
Speaking to local news of the impending launch, Executive Director Milton Champion said:
“So, I just grab that same package that everybody’s signed off on, and I just take that over to the Secretary of State’s Office. And once they publish it for adoption, then we’re good to go. And at that point, anybody that’s submitted an application request for a temporary license, which is part of the requirement, then I will start kicking out licenses that day.”
He noted that the Penobscot, Maliseet and Mi’kmaq tribes have agreed deals with Caesars Sportsbook for mobile sports betting.
However, the Passamaquoddy Tribe has yet to submit its preferred partner but is likely to choose another operator.
BetMGM has been selected as a partner for retail sports betting with two sportsbooks set to launch in Waterville and Sanford.
Hollywood Casino’s in-house sportsbook 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.