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Maine gambling industry is a young and relatively recently instigated one, and it’s still growing. Slot machines were added to the scene in Maine in 2004, and that venue evolved into the state’s first commercial casino in 2008. Table casino games were added to Maine gambling scene in 2012, and a second casino opened later that year.
In that atmosphere for change and gambling expansion, harness racing is a big drawcard in Maine, as are Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) and online horse racing betting sites.
Sports Betting is yet to become a reality in Maine, however with Rhode Island becoming the 8th U.S. to introduce legal sports betting, the race is on for other states in New England to join the sports betting club. Maine is no different as legislators in the state continue to put forward various proposals for sports betting legalization and the potential introduction of something along the lines of a NJ online sportsbook or two.
Maine did pass a law that legalized sports betting in May 2022, but there have been no rules to actually regulate and govern the industry. The state’s tribes have exclusive rights to online sportsbooks, but there is no timetable on when those will open. Nor is there a timeline on when Maine’s infrastructure will be ready for in-person sports wagering at the state’s casinos.