All About Maine Sports Betting
Maine entered the sports betting landscape more recently, with legal sports betting officially launching on November 3, 2023 (Portland Press Herald, 2023).
Regulated by the Maine Gambling Control Unit, the state offers online sports gambling through two online providers: DraftKings Sportsbook and Caesars Sportsbook. Caesars launched the state's first retail sports betting operation in September 2024 (iGamingBusiness, 2024), aiming to provide residents and visitors with multiple ways to place wagers.
Maine’s smaller population and less extensive professional sports presence may cap the potential of its legalized sports betting market to some degree, but its trajectory won't be clear until the market has more time to grow.
Annual Sports Betting Growth in Maine
Monthly Sports Betting Growth in Maine
Maine Sports Betting Revenue Highlights
Maine's first year of operation as a legal sports betting market only included November and December. Still, those two months provided the first insights into the revenue the industry may generate in the years to come.
Below is a rundown of the key numbers from Maine's initial foray into legalized sports betting:
- Maine's total handle for the state's first year with online sports betting was $82.1 million in wagers.
- The state's GGR for 2023 was just over $9 million, and Maine was able to generate $902,000 in tax revenue as a result.
The market grew as Maine moved into its first full year of legalized sports betting in 2024. Between January and October 2024, the state reported impressive monthly handles totaling $413 million over the 10-month period. Monthly handles ranged from $35.6 million to a high of $52.3 million in October, reflecting steady engagement from bettors throughout the year.
Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) for 2024 reached $43.5 million during this period. Monthly hold percentages fluctuated between 5.69% in March and 14.32% in January. Adjusted Gross Receipts (AGR), which account for deductions such as promotional credits and free bets, amounted to $39,186,137.70, indicating a significant portion of operator revenue was used for customer acquisition and retention strategies.
Tax revenue from the sports betting industry also saw substantial growth in 2024. Between January and October, the state collected $4.3 million in taxes, an increase compared to the two-month total of $902,000 from 2023.
Maine's Sports Betting Performance in 2024:
- Total Handle: $413,273,905
- Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR): $43,540,153
- Average Hold Percentage: 10.54%
- Tax Revenue: $4,361,830
Latest Updates in Maine Sports Wagering
- September 16, 2024: Caesars launched the first in-person sports betting location in the state. (SBC Americas, 2024)
- April 19, 2024: Bill to legalize online casino gaming fails in Maine's state legislature (SBC Americas, 2024)
- November 3, 2023: Maine launches legal sports betting market after Governor Janet Mills signed it into law in May 2023. (MainePublic.org 2023)
- October 25, 2023: Maine cracks down on daily fantasy sports company Underdogs, fining them $392 thousand due to 'Pick'em' contests violating regulations. (SBC Americas, 2023)
How Maine Allocates Its Sports Betting Tax Revenue
Maine has a tax rate of 10% of all gross gaming revenue (GGR) and the Maine Gambling Control Unit is transparent about where the funds the state takes in from this industry go.
Here is how the Pine Tree State allocates the revenue from that 10% tax on sports wagering:
- 6.5% must be deposited in the General Fund.
- 1% must be deposited in the General Fund for the administrative expenses of the Maine Gambling Control Unit.
- 1% must be deposited in the Gambling Addiction Prevention and Treatment Fund
- 0.55% must be paid to the State Harness Racing Commission.
- 0.55% must be deposited in the Sire Stakes Fund.
- 0.40% must be deposited in the Agricultural Fair Promotion Fund.
The Future of Maine Sports Betting
Maine state law permits any of the four tribes native to the state—the Maliseet, Micmac, Passamaquoddy, and Penobscot—to partner with a licensed sportsbook. On November 3rd, 2023, Caesars Sportsbook launched operations in Maine by partnering with three Wabanaki Nations: the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, the Mi’kmaq Nation, and the Penobscot Nation.
Caesars is now accepting sports wagers on mobile and desktop platforms across the Pine Tree State. In addition, Caesars operates a retail sportsbook location, and if it proves successful, more operators could open across the state.
The two casinos licensed under state law—Hollywood Casino in Bangor and Oxford Casino in Oxford (Maine State Legislature, 2020)—could explore partnering with a bookmaker to add retail sportsbooks or an online betting platform. This could further expand the sports betting market in Maine, offering residents even more options.
If the vast majority of Maine sports bettors show little interest in retail sportsbook betting and prefer to bet online, Maine could eventually become a state where online betting is the only option for consumers.
What is clear is that there is growing interest in sports betting in the state.
In September 2024, new records for both Maine sports betting handle ($51.8 million) and gross revenue (GGR) with $6.7 million. The previous record for GGR was $4.6 million (iGamingBusiness.com, 2024).
Maine Snapshot
| Key Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Population | Approximately 1.40 million residents as of 2024. (World Population Review, 2024) |
| Political Affiliation | Maine is a heavily Democratic state. It has a state Democratic trifecta and has supported that party in each presidential election since 1992. (270towin.com, 2024) |
| Year Sports Betting Legalized | Online and mobile sports betting operations began in November 2023 and retail sports betting became available in September 2024. (MainePublic.org 2023/Yahoo Finance, 2024) |
| Number of Sportsbooks Operating | There are two online sportsbooks available: DraftKings and Caesars. |
| Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) 2023 | $9,020,360.00 |
| Sports Betting Handle 2023 | $82,091,923.00 |
| Professional Sports Teams | Maine has no major professional sports teams. Still, its location in New England means residents are likely to support Boston-area teams like the New England Patriots, Boston Red Sox, Boston Celtics, and Boston Bruins. |
FAQs on Maine Sports Betting Revenue
Maine's Sports Betting Fundamentals
When was sports betting permitted in Maine?
Online and mobile sports betting operations began in November 2023, and retail sports betting became available in September 2024.
How many sportsbooks operate in Maine?
There are just two Maine sportsbooks available: DraftKings and Caesars.
What is covered on this page?
This page provides a breakdown of the Maine sports betting market, including handle, revenues, and operator updates, all backed by official reports. (Maine Gambling Control Unit, 2024)
Tribal Partnerships
How do sports betting partnership work in Maine?
In order to operate in Maine both Draftkings and Caesars have to have partnerships with one of the four federally-recognized Indian tribes within the state (Vixio, 2022).
DraftKings has partnered with the Passamaquoddy Tribe, while Caesars works in partnership with the other three tribes: the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, the Mi’kmaq Nation, and the Penobscot Nation (DraftKings, 2023/Caesars, 2023).
Maine Sports Betting Statistics
What was Maine's total sports wagering handle in 2023?
According to the Maine Gambling Control Unit reports, the Maine sports betting handle for 2023 was $82,091,923.00.
How much revenue was generated in 2023?
Maine's gross sports betting revenue in 2023 totaled $9,020,360.00, with $902,036.00 collected in taxes.
What was Maine's total sports wagering handle in 2024?
From January to October 2024, Maine's sports betting handle (total bets made) was $413,273,905.
How much was Maine's gross gaming revenue in 2024?
From January to October 2024, Maine's GGR hit $43,540,153, an increase of 382.69 percent from 2023.
Responsible Gaming
What percentage of Maine's sports betting tax revenue goes toward problem gambling initiatives?
1% of Maine’s gross gaming revenue (GGR) tax is allocated to the Gambling Addiction Prevention and Treatment Fund, ensuring resources are available for addressing gambling-related issues.
Casinos
Does Maine allow retail sports betting at casinos?
Currently, only one in-person sportsbook operates in Maine—Caesars, launched in September 2024. While state law permits two casinos, they have yet to integrate retail sports betting into their offerings.
Industry Projection
Why might Maine's sports betting market remain relatively small?
Maine’s smaller population (1.4 million residents) and lack of professional sports teams may limit the potential size of its sports betting market. However, proximity to New England teams could keep local interest strong. It is too early in the industry's development to make definitive projections about its trajectory.
Maine Sports Betting Operations
What sports can I bet on in Maine?
Bettors in Maine can wager on many professional leagues like the NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, and collegiate sports.
Are there any restrictions on college sports betting in Maine?
Yes, Maine restricts betting on in-state player prop bets (USA Today, 2024).
What are the age requirements for sports betting in Maine?
The legal age for sports betting in Maine is 21 years old.
Can I use promotional offers or bonuses in Maine?
Yes, DraftKings and Caesars both offer promotions and bonuses for new and returning users in Maine.