Gaming Laws in Maine
Tribal gaming laws passed on the federal level in 1988, allowing Native American tribes around the country to open up casinos on tribal grounds. Because Maine did not have any Class III gambling across the state, tribes in Maine were only allowed to offer Class II gaming. This prompted Native American tribes to open high stakes bingo rooms on their land as table games and slot machines were illegal.
It wasn't until 2010 that the Maine Casino in Oxford County law was passed to approve casino gaming in the state. The law passed by the slimmest of margins, receiving a majority vote with 50.42% of the vote in Maine. This paved the way for the Oxford Casino and Hollywood Casino to be built, and also allowed for slot machines to be added to the state's two horse tracks.
Unlawful Gambling
Gambling is defined in Maine as when a person “stakes or risks something of value upon the outcome of a contest of chance or a future contingent event not under his control or influence”. Unlawful gambling is illegal and punishable by up to three years in prison. While this seemingly is meant to be geared towards bookmakers, by the letter of the law partaking in these wagers is also illegal.
Sports Betting in Maine
While it is somewhat unclear in the wording of Maine's gaming laws whether or not simply placing a bet is considered “unlawful gambling”, bookmaking certainly is. Unlawful gambling includes any person that “intentionally or knowingly advances or profits from unlawful gambling activity.” As a result, bookmakers in Maine face a penalty of up to three years in prison for profiting on gambling.
Online Betting
Maine currently does not offer legal online sportsbooks due to delays in implementing online betting legislation. While the state has legalized in-person sports betting, regulatory and logistical challenges have slowed the rollout of online platforms. Efforts to launch legal online sportsbooks have faced setbacks, primarily due to complexities in setting up the necessary infrastructure and regulations. As a result, Maine residents must wait for further legislative progress to access legal online betting options.
Poker and Casino in Maine
Residents of Maine have two casino options; the Hollywood Casino Hotel and Raceway and the Oxford Casino. These two casinos both offer slot machines and table games. The Hollywood Casino has a poker room, but it is a limited one with only four tables. The Scarborough Downs harness track also has slot machines.
A “social gambling” clause included in Maine's state laws make it legal for poker players to play in house games so long as the house is not making money. As long as all of the players involved in the game are playing on equal footing, this type of poker game is legal in the state of Maine.
Other Gaming Options in Maine
Maine features two harness race tracks in the Hollywood Casino and Raceway and Scarborough Downs. Both of these tracks offer live harness racing and horse players can also bet on simulcast racing from around the country.
Maine Lottery
As a member of the Multi-State Lottery Association, Maine offers multi-state games such as Mega Millions, Powerball and Hot Lotto in addition to its Tri-State games and scratch-off ticket games. Along with Vermont and New Hampshire, the Tri-State Lotto includes Megabucks Plus, a Pick 3 and a Pick 4. Maine was set to add a Keno game to its lottery in May of 2015 before lawmakers stepped in to block it.