Online Gambling in Maine: Legal Status, Tribal Casinos, and Offshore Options
Maine maintains one of the more restrictive gambling environments in the United States, with no regulated intrastate online casinos, poker, or sports betting available. Gambling activities are governed by Maine Revised Statutes Title 8, Chapter 29, and related provisions, which prohibit unauthorized wagering while permitting limited exceptions for tribal gaming, pari-mutuel racing, charitable bingo, and the state lottery. No penalties apply directly to individual players participating in offshore online gambling, creating a practical gray area where enforcement targets operators rather than residents. Offshore platforms accept Maine players without state-level prosecutions documented as of 2026, though such sites offer no regulatory protections and carry inherent risks including fund security and dispute resolution.
Legal Framework and Gambling Restrictions
Maine law prohibits most forms of gambling unless explicitly authorized, with focus on operators running unlicensed activities. No statutes impose fines or criminal penalties on individual players using offshore sites for casino games, poker, or sports betting. The absence of player-specific sanctions has led many residents to access offshore platforms freely, though authorities maintain that such activities violate state prohibitions. No legislative progress toward regulated iGaming has occurred, with tribal exclusivity and opposition from existing venues limiting expansion discussions.
Land-Based Casinos in Maine
Maine features two commercial casinos and limited tribal gaming. Hollywood Casino Hotel & Raceway (Bangor), operated by Penn Entertainment, offers slots, table games, and video poker. Oxford Casino Hotel provides slots and table games following 2011 authorization. Tribal operations include Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians and Passamaquoddy Tribe facilities with limited Class II gaming (primarily bingo-style machines). No full-scale tribal casinos with Class III table games operate under current compacts. No state-sanctioned online casino access exists for residents.
Poker in Maine
Live poker is available only at Hollywood Casino Bangor, featuring four tables with No-Limit Hold’em cash games ($1/$2 to $5/$10 stakes) and low-buy-in tournaments ($80–$100) on select days. No regulated real-money online poker platforms operate in Maine. Offshore poker sites accept Maine players in the gray area, with no player prosecutions reported. Social poker apps provide free-play alternatives for enthusiasts.
Sports Betting Status
Sports betting remains illegal statewide, with no regulated retail or mobile options available. Pari-mutuel horse racing continues at Bangor Raceway and Scarborough Downs, with off-track betting (OTB) facilities and online platforms like TwinSpires permitted for horse wagering. Greyhound racing lacks authorization. Offshore sportsbooks serve Maine residents unregulated, without enforcement actions against individual players.
Daily Fantasy Sports Availability
Daily Fantasy Sports gained legalization in 2017 via LD 585, classifying contests as skill-based and exempt from gambling definitions. Major platforms including DraftKings, FanDuel, Yahoo Fantasy, and CBS Sports operate legally in Maine, with minimum age of 18 and basic consumer protections. Operators pay licensing fees and adhere to restrictions on certain college and amateur sports.
Maine Lottery and Other Games
The Maine State Lottery offers multi-state draws (Powerball, Mega Millions, Lucky for Life), in-state games (Lotto America, Pick 3, Pick 4), scratch-offs, and fast-play options. Tickets must be purchased from licensed retailers—no online sales are authorized. The official website and app provide results, promotions, and second-chance entries. Charitable bingo operates through nonprofits and limited tribal provisions, but no commercial or online bingo receives state approval.
Frequently Asked Questions
What gambling options are available in Maine?
Maine provides commercial casinos with slots and table games, limited live poker, pari-mutuel horse racing, regulated DFS, the state lottery, and charitable bingo. No online casinos, poker, or sports betting operate legally.
Is real-money online gambling legal for players in Maine?
Regulated real-money online options are limited to DFS; casinos, poker, and sports betting are prohibited. Offshore play occurs in a gray area with no individual player penalties enforced, though it lacks state safeguards.
Which offshore sites accept Maine residents?
Many offshore casinos, poker rooms, and sportsbooks welcome Maine players, though participation involves unregulated risks regarding security, fairness, and fund protection.