Compared to most U.S. states, Maine was a late bloomer in launching legal online sports betting, but it's off to a solid start. What makes the state unique is that all four federally recognized tribes hold exclusive control over online betting access, which makes the market locally rooted.
Last updated: 26 August 2025, 08:55AM
This page will cover the ins and outs of legality, local tax laws, top bonuses, and all the major betting options available in the Maine sports betting scene. But first, let’s start with the top sportsbooks in Maine today.
We’ve spent years refining our evaluation process for sportsbooks to include only the most trustworthy and functional platforms in our lists. Here’s how we measure what makes the best Maine sports betting sites stand out:
If a platform isn’t regulated locally, there’s no safety net in case something goes wrong. To avoid this risk, we only consider ME sportsbooks that hold a valid license from the Maine Gambling Control Unit. This guarantees they’re accountable under state law and won't disappear with your money overnight.
Lack of proper security can result in data breaches, lost funds, and sleepless nights. That’s why each platform is checked for firewall protection, SSL encryption, and up-to-date player privacy tools, so that every transaction feels safe for those who bet on sports in Maine.
A strong bonus menu can increase your bankroll over time, helping you bet more consistently without the risky all-in bets. From deposit matches to risk-free bets, we look at how many types of bonuses a sportsbook offers, and also evaluate how realistic the terms are for regular players in Maine.
Great odds don't just give you a short-term win; rather, they impact your overall payout potential season upon season. Our process tracks odds consistency by reviewing NFL spreads, props, and moneylines weekly to ensure Maine bettors never settle for less value than what’s available in neighboring states.
Before recommending any sportsbook, we bet on it ourselves — testing standard lines, same-game parlays, and futures across the NFL, NBA, and college sports. Additionally, we evaluate the live betting experience, how fast the odds update, and how diverse the wagering options are.
Difficult navigation or sluggish apps can take the fun out of betting, especially during live games. We test how easy it is to use each site across devices, and make sure placing bets is quick and straightforward, so ME residents can focus on the action without any technical problems. If an app crashes or lags during high-traffic events, it doesn’t make the cut.
The answer to “Is sports betting legal in Maine?” has been a clear yes since 2022, when Governor Janet Mills signed LD 585 into law. This move authorized both online and retail sports betting across the state, with operational control given exclusively to Maine’s four federally recognized tribes [Maliseet, Micmac, Penobscot, and Passamaquoddy].
These tribes have partnered with commercial operators to run the licensed sportsbooks currently active in the state. The Maine Gambling Control Unit manages the system, covering rules and approvals for land-based sportsbooks and digital platforms.
Online sports betting in Maine is available through only two operators: Caesars and DraftKings. Alongside them, a handful of retail sportsbooks operate from tribal casinos and off-track venues. Here is how the legalization of sports betting in the Pine Tree State unfolded:
May 2018 – PASPA is overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court, allowing states to legalize sports betting individually.
May 2, 2022 – Maine passes LD 585, legalizing in-person and mobile betting through tribal partnerships.
August 2022 – The law takes effect following the required 90-day waiting period.
October 2023 – Caesars and DraftKings receive approval to operate through tribal agreements.
November 3, 2023 – Online betting officially launches at 9:00 AM with both operators.
November 2023 – Retail betting begins at select casinos and off-track locations.
September 2024 – Portland opens its first permanent retail sportsbook under a tribal partnership.
To place a wager, the legal betting age in Maine is 21, and bettors must be physically present within state lines. While prop bets on Maine college teams are banned, wagers on other collegiate and professional sports teams are permitted.
July 9, 2025 – Governor Janet Mills postponed the signing of LD 1164, which would give Maine’s tribes control over online casino gaming.
June 4, 2025 – Maine lawmakers advanced LD 1164 through committee, proposing legal online casino gaming under tribal oversight with an 18 % tax rate.
April 28, 2025 – After a dip in February, March saw betting handle rise to $49.5 million. However, revenue fell to $4.2 million, indicating that Maine sportsbooks profited less, despite more bets being placed.
While there’s no separate state income tax on sports betting winnings, federal taxes apply at a flat rate of 24 on substantial wins. If your payout exceeds $5,000 or is 300 times your original wager, the IRS may withhold 24. Regardless of the amount, all income from betting in Maina must be reported on Form 1040 as “Other Income.”
Licensed Maine sports betting sites pay a 10% tax on adjusted revenue. This tax contributes directly to the state budget and is based on monthly sports betting revenue. So far, total Maine sports betting handle in 2025 has shown steady growth, consistently ranging between $40 million and $50 million per month, reflecting strong interest from local bettors.
Online Sports Betting Launch | November 3, 2023 |
Retail Sports Betting Launch | November 2023 |
Legal Betting Age | 21 |
Licensing Authority | Maine Gambling Control Unit |
Sports Betting Apps (Online) | Yes |
Online Sports Betting | Yes |
Retail Sports Betting | Yes |
Online Casinos (iGaming) | No |
Remote Registration | Yes |
Esports Betting | No |
College Sports Betting | Yes – But no prop bets allowed on Maine-based college athletes |
State Population | 1.40 Million |
2024 Betting Handle | $514 million |
Tax Rate on Winnings | 24% federal withholding; no separate state tax on gambling winnings |
Operator Tax Rate | 10% on adjusted gross revenue |
Whether you’re new to betting or already exploring ME sports betting sites, understanding the offers available can help you make smarter moves with your bankroll. Here’s a look at the most common types of bonuses and promotions at Maine sports betting sites and how they actually work.
As soon as you sign up on ME betting sites, you will be welcomed with a signup bonus in the form of a deposit match or free bets. These give you extra funds to try out bets and explore the sportsbook, but any winnings are usually subject to wagering requirements.
Pro Tip: Start with small wagers until the rollover clears.
If your first wager loses, some Maine sportsbook promos refund your stake as bonus credit, letting you try new markets without losing your entire stake. While this is a helpful safety net, remember that bonus credits may have limits on use or withdrawal.
Pro Tip: Stick to favorites or low-risk plays to preserve bonus value.
Returning players can often claim this Maine sports betting promo, where the sportsbook offers a percentage match on new deposits. While these reloads are usually smaller than welcome bonuses, they still add extra betting power to you account on busy days.
Pro Tip: Deposit during big sports weekends to get maximum bonus value.
DraftKings often boosts odds on New England Patriots games, offering better payouts on key plays like touchdown passes or game-winning drives. These ME sportsbook promos positively impact your winnings by increasing your potential payout without extra risk.
Pro Tip: Prioritize single bets over parlays to maximize boosted value.
Most ME sports betting sites reward consistency through a points-based system in which you can redeem points for bonus bets or other perks. The longer you stick with one platform, the more your rewards stack up.
Pro tip: Sign up for loyalty programs early to maximize your rewards on every bet you place.
From New England football to Celtics basketball, Maine bettors gravitate toward major leagues and nearby franchises. Below, we break down the most popular sports across Maine online sportsbooks and why local fans keep coming back to these markets:
With six Super Bowl titles and a record 11 appearances, the New England Patriots are Maine’s favorite NFL team. That kind of legacy is the reason sports bettors in Maine continue backing them, even in the post-Brady years. Spreads and touchdown scorer props are the preferred bet types during weekly games, while spreads, moneylines, and QB props see the most action during the final weeks of the season.
Maine might not have its own NBA team, but that’s never slowed down fans from supporting the Boston Celtics. After their dominant NBA Finals win in 2024, interest in betting on basketball has only grown stronger. With Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown leading the charge, bettors often target player props and alternate spreads, especially during prime-time games.
Another Boston team that is massively popular in Maine is the Red Sox. Their recent streak of winning seven of the last eight home series has kept them on the radar of seasoned and new bettors. Those following major baseball teams like the Red Sox typically trust their money with totals and in-game bets during rivalry matchups on Maine sportsbooks.
Professional teams from Boston continue to dominate the betting scene at Maine online sportsbooks, and the Boston Bruins are at the center if it each NHL season. Known for their physical play and elite goaltending, Bruins games attract steady hockey betting action on under totals and player props. The playoff stretch, in particular, drives the highest betting volume among fans live in Maine.
MMA betting has become an integral part of the Maine sports betting culture, especially with the rise of UFC cards featuring East Coast fighters. While most bettors stick to simple moneyline bets, more informed punters explore method-of-victory or round betting markets for higher returns. It’s smart to look past the main card; undercard fights are valuable if you track fighter styles.
Betting on college sports is also equally popular across Maine sportsbooks, especially during NCAA football and March Madness. While in-state college prop bets are restricted, fans can still back top programs by placing futures and point spread bets. Sports bettors in Maine can get more favorable odds on these games at ME sportsbooks.
Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) is legal throughout Maine, thanks to state legislation recognizing DFS as a game of skill, and not gambling. Although not every format makes the cut, several pick‑‘em and prop‑style games have been banned under state law. Still, licensed ME operators like DraftKings, FanDuel, and Yahoo continue to offer a wide selection of DFS contests within Maine’s guidelines.
Moreover, these platforms must meet rules around player protections, account verification, and responsible gaming. If you're 18 or older and live in Maine, you can join fantasy contests and tournaments on legal DFS sportsbooks.
Fantasy contests don’t involve odds or point spreads, unlike traditional wagering at Maine sports betting sites. Instead, players build virtual lineups within a salary cap and compete based on how their picks perform in actual games.
To get started, simply choose a platform licensed in your state, browse the contests, and make your first deposit.
Placing your first bet with Maine sportsbooks is simple when you know the steps. Here’s a clear, beginner-friendly guide to help you register, deposit, and start betting legally:
1. Choose a Licensed ME Sportsbook
You can choose any one of the two legal platforms currently operating in the state: DraftKings or Caesars Sportsbook. Both are listed on this page and offer attractive welcome bonuses.
2. Create Your Account
You'll be asked to provide your full name, address, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. This helps confirm your eligibility and prevents underage or duplicate accounts.
3. Verify Your Identity and Location
Next, upload a photo ID and enable geolocation services. Maine law requires all users to be physically located within state lines when placing bets.
4. Fund Your Account
Once verified, head to the cashier section and deposit funds using PayPal, debit cards, or bank transfers. Most DFS sportsbooks also offer the same banking options.
5. Place Your First Bet with Confidence
Once your account is funded, explore the available sports and betting markets. Select your wager, enter the amount, and submit your bet with a single click.
Mobile platforms held 81.11% of the U.S. online gambling market share in 2024, and that shift has completely changed how people bet. Whether you're tracking NFL lines during your lunch break or locking in a late-night NBA parlay, mobile sports betting gives ME residents the flexibility to place bets via mobile any time, anywhere.
Right now, DraftKings and Caesars are the only licensed Maine sportsbooks with fully functional mobile apps. These Maine betting apps are available on the App Store, Google Play, or directly through each sportsbook’s website using a link or QR code. They're easy to install and optimized for smooth performance on both iOS and Android devices.
Despite differences in app size, both platforms are one of the best sports betting apps for punters. Each includes features like live betting with real-time updates, push notifications for odds changes and results, fast cashouts on qualifying wagers, and user-friendly navigation, all essential tools for mobile sports bettors.
Maine’s sports betting scene may have started a bit late, but it’s quickly finding its footing. As part of the growing US sports betting industry, the state now offers secure wagering through the only two licensed platforms, DraftKings and Caesars. That means ME sports fans have access to trusted betting options and a steady flow of local promos at their fingertips.
The tribal partnerships keep the market locally grounded while ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for bettors at all levels. Still, with only two operators, there's room for more competition to boost variety and innovation. If you're ready to jump in, explore the best Maine sports betting sites listed on this page and sign up today!
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