Maine’s legal sports betting industry is set to launch on November 3rd at 9am, according to an announcement by the Maine Gambling Control Unit (MGCU). The official rules for sports wagering in the state have been adopted, allowing licensed sports betting operators to begin accepting pre-registrations from customers starting today, November 1st. Customers can also make deposits into their accounts in anticipation of the launch on Friday.
Leading up to the launch, the MGCU had previously revealed that the Penobscot, Maliseet, and Mi’kmaq tribes had reached agreements with Caesars Sportsbook for mobile sports betting. In addition, the Passamaquoddy Tribe has confirmed a deal with DraftKings to operate its mobile sports betting app in the state. This comes as a surprise, considering that the Sports Betting Alliance, which represents DraftKings, BetMGM, Fanatics, and FanDuel, had previously stated that its members would not participate in Maine’s mobile sports betting industry.
BetMGM has been selected as a partner for retail sports betting, with two sportsbooks set to launch at off-track betting outlets in Waterville and Sanford. The state’s two casinos, operated by Penn Entertainment and Churchill Downs, will also be allowed to open retail sportsbooks. Hollywood Casino is expected to be affiliated with the newly launched brand ESPN Bet, following its partnership deal with casino owner Penn Entertainment.
Jenny Tang, an experienced iGaming commentator and analyst based in New York City, reported on this news. As a reporter on regulation and gambling industry news and events, Tang provides insights into the development of the sports betting industry in Maine.
Source: Jenny Tang’s Twitter
