Sportsbetting Legalized in Maine

This story was published more than 1 year ago.

Sportsbetting has successfully been legalized in Maine this week as the state's governor Janet Mills signed LD585 into law this week, a week after the bill advanced to her desk through the state's legislature.

There have been multiple attempts to legalize sportsbetting in Maine, with a previous attempt being vetoed by the Governor Mills in 2020. At the time Mills stated: "But, respectfully, I remain unconvinced at this time that the majority of Maine people are ready to legalize, support, endorse and promote betting on competitive athletic events."

It's unclear what changed over the course of the last two years outside of competition from neighboring states, but Mills has changed her mind and signed the bill into law. She hailed the bill, noting it as a win for the state's Native American tribes.

"This law provides meaningful economic opportunities for the Wabanaki Nations," said Mills in regard to the new bill. "It incentivizes investment in tribal communities, and it formalizes a collaboration process on policy that sets the foundation for a stronger relationship in the future."

The law will now go into effect and will see those aged 21 or older able to bet on sports. Mobile licenses will run four years and cost operators $200,000, while retail books will last four years and cost $4,000.

No timeframe for an industry launch in Maine was available at press time.

About the author

Dustin Jermalowicz // News Editor
Dustin Jermalowicz
Dustin has a long-standing passion for gambling. He has been writing professionally on the subject and breaking industry news for Casino Listings since 2011. His favorite casino games include Blackjack, Poker, and Hi/Lo. A proud native of Detroit, Dustin currently lives in Michigan.