Maine initiates formal process to launch sports betting, but legal wagering still months away

Maine launched the formal process of instituting sports betting in the state Wednesday by releasing proposed rules for its market. However, it will be months before the first wagers are placed, officials stated. 

The law adopted by state lawmakers went into effect in August, but the director of the Maine Gambling Control Unit said it was important to move slowly to get "the rules right." According to a timeline laid out by Milt Champion suggested licenses could be issued between April and January. A public hearing is scheduled for January 31.

“I know this is a hot topic. I know everybody wants it out during the Super Bowl or during March Madness. But let’s face it. It’s not just going to happen that quickly,” he said, as reported by the Associated Press. 

Gov. Janet Mills

Democratic Governor Janet Mills gave control of the mobile and online sports betting market to Native American tribes in Maine, a move seen as an olive branch after her veto threat scuttled their proposal for greater sovereignty. 

Mobile and online wagering is expected to account for 85% of the sports betting market in the jurisdiction, providing a conduit for revenue for the tribes. Each one can select its own vendor, meaning there could be up to four licenses for the Penobscot Nation, Passamaquoddy tribes at Indian Township and Pleasant Point, Houlton Band of Maliseets and Mi’kmaq.

Maine’s existing casinos in Bangor and Oxford also can request licenses along with off-track betting parlors. Sports betting is expected to generate between $3.8 million and $6.9 million in revenue for the state, on top of $64 million from casinos and other legal gambling in 2022, according to Champion.

Champion said he would like to see bets being placed this summer, when tourists are visiting the state. However, he underscored that “there are no guarantees,” as it depends on factors including the public comment period and the length of a review by the attorney general, further reports Associated Press.

36 states have already legalized sports betting in the United States, including neighboring New Hampshire. Similarly to Maine, Massachusetts is currently awaiting launch after legalization. 

However, Massachusetts seems to have made more progress on launching thus far. During the first week of the year, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission announced it would kick off a review of applications for category three untethered sports betting licenses, aimed at businesses that want to offer online-only wagering not connected to a land-based property. 

The hearings on the untethered mobile applicants started January 6, but it will not be until January 19- 20 that commissioners will make a final determination on awarding any of the applicants a license. Commissioners have said in-person betting at the state's three casinos will launch on January 31 after a “soft launch” on January 30.