This article offers a comprehensive overview of gambling online in Maine, including legal aspects and the timeline of gambling in the state. It also reviews the three most prominent online casinos in Maine, detailing their gaming features and promotional bonuses. For those eager to get started, the guide offers recommendations for secure and enjoyable online gambling sites in Maine. The aim is to equip you with all the knowledge you need to confidently engage in online gambling in the Pine Tree State.
Key Things You Need to Know
- Maine has two brick-and-mortar casinos, but online gambling is still not legal.
- There have been numerous legislative attempts to legalize online gambling.
- Maine offers a lottery, including draw games and scratch cards.
- Charitable gambling, including raffles, and bingo is legal in Maine
Our guide will introduce the best online gambling destination in Maine, cover Maine gambling legislation, and provide other essential information that could impact you as a Maine resident.
Types of Legal Gambling in Maine
Maine offers a diverse range of legal gambling options for its residents and visitors. The Maine State Lottery, established for several decades, remains the popular choice. Aside from lottery games, Maine has two land-based casinos that offer assorted casino games.
Pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing has been legal since 1935 and remained the state’s only regulated gambling option until the 1970s. Currently, there are two racetracks and six off-track betting locations in Maine. Moreover, equestrian betting via the internet is permitted, making it a versatile choice for bettors.
While online sports wagering and betting on horse races are regulated and legal, online casinos currently occupy a legal gray area. There aren’t any state-approved online casinos, and the Maine State Lottery doesn’t offer online games. However, Maine residents can still play at reputable offshore online casinos as state laws do not explicitly cover this form of gambling.
Charitable Gambling
Charitable, known as benevolent gambling also has a presence in the state, particularly through a handful of bingo halls. Daily fantasy sports (DFS) are another legal form of online betting in Maine.
Bingo Halls
Bingo has a legal status in Maine as part of the state’s charitable gaming options. These games are often organized by not-for-profit organizations for fundraising purposes. The state regulates these bingo halls to ensure fairness and to make sure that a substantial portion of the earnings go towards charitable causes. Some notable bingo halls in Maine are LYAF Bingo, Eagle’s Bingo, and Loaves and Fishes Super Bingo, among others.
Maine Online Casinos vs. Local Casinos
While Maine allows land-based casino gambling, residents are only able to access two options—Hollywood Casino and Oxford Casino. Although both casinos have been a valuable addition to the scarce gambling environment in the Pine Tree State, they hardly meet the requirements of a populace of approximately 1.5 million.
Many Maine residents find it expensive and time-consuming to visit one of those in-person locations, especially when they can enjoy their favorite games while sitting on a comfy couch at home. Moreover, the top Maine gambling sites offer what their land-based counterparts don’t: exciting promotions. Some of the top Maine casinos even offer a massive $14,000 bonus.
Another benefit of joining online gambling in Maine is that you can play all the popular casino games whenever you feel like it. In contrast, you can only participate in 24/7 in-person casino gaming at Oxford Casino, as Hollywood Casino Bangor closes its doors at midnight.
We’re certain you’ll enjoy the 24/7 online casino gambling fun at the top Maine sites. However, we suggest you do some research before choosing the site you want to join.
How To Gamble Online in Maine
Step 1: Find Your Online Gambling Platform
Our top recommendation for playing games online in Maine is Cafe Casino. However, there are other platforms we have analyzed that you may also want to consider.
Step 2: Finalize the Sign-Up Procedure
Continue to the web portal of Cafe Casino and find the “Join” tab. To create your user account, you’ll be asked for essential information, more specifically your full name, your electronic mail address, and your birth date. After filling out these details, you’ll receive an email containing a link for verification. Click on that link to complete your account configuration.
Step 3: Top Up Your Cafe Casino Account Balance
After your account is activated, the next step is to pay in money. You can do this by going to the banking page on the website. The site offers a special incentive especially for those preferring cryptocurrencies for their first funding, providing a bonus of up to an additional $2,500. Decide on your favored deposit option and adhere to the provided instructions.
Step 4: Begin Placing Wagers
With your account appropriately financed plus any accessible promotional offers claimed, you are now in a position to start gambling. Explore the collection of games offered by the platform, ranging from live host games and video poker to slots offering substantial jackpots. Once you’ve identified a game that captivates your interest, set down your stake, and commence play.
Gambling in and Near Maine
Local casinos in Maine have been operational since 2005. However, only two commercial casinos operate in the Pine Tree State at the time of this review in 2024.
The state’s first casino, Hollywood Casino, opened in Bangor in 2005. In 2010, state voters allowed Class III commercial casinos. In 2012, Oxford Casino commenced operations as well.
Hollywood Casino Hotel & Raceway Bangor
Address: 500 Main St., Bangor, ME
Hollywood Casino Bangor is under the proprietorship of Penn National Gaming. The 152-room hotel is the state’s major in-person gambling attraction and is houses the state’s only live poker room.
Oxford Casino Hotel
Address: 777 Casino Way, Oxford, ME
This casino is owned and operated by Churchill Downs, and it features 24/7 slot machines and table game options.
Other Forms of Gambling in Maine
Alongside the well-known gambling options, Maine offers a sequence of other forms of wagering that contribute to its diverse gambling landscape.
- Maine online casinos
- Maine online sportsbooks
- Maine poker sites
- Maine online racebooks
- Maine casinos
- Maine bingo
- Maine lottery
- Maine sportsbooks
- Maine race tracks
Casino Games You Can Play in Maine
While Maine does not presently regulate online casino gaming, residents have the option to play a wide range of casino games via reputable offshore casinos. Here’s an analysis of the common and popular types of games available:
Blackjack
A classic card game in which the end goal is to obtain a hand with a higher value compared to the dealer, but without exceeding 21, is known as Blackjack. Offshore casinos frequently provide several versions, inclusive of European Blackjack, Classic Blackjack, and Double Exposure.
Roulette
Roulette is defined as a game that involves chance where players gamble on the result of a spinning wheel. European and American versions are the most commonly offered at offshore sites, each with its own set of odds and rules.
Baccarat
In baccarat, participants may wager on either the “Banker”, the “Player”, or opt for a draw. The game is sought-after for its straightforward rules and quick gameplay, turning it into a personal favorite at many offshore casinos.
Slots
Slots offer a range of themes, features, and cashout structures. From classic three-reel slots to more complicated video slots with multiple paylines, offshore casinos offer a plethora of options.
Video Poker
Video poker incorporates components of slot gaming, offering various versions. You’ll find a sequence of popular titles inclusive of Deuces Wild, and Jacks or Better alongside others like Bonus Poker. It’s a game where strategy can significantly influence your chances of winning.
Live Dealer Games
Some offshore casinos also feature real-time dealer games, providing a more authentic casino experience. These include live variations of baccarat, roulette and blackjack, and sometimes even game shows.
Craps
This dice game involves players making wagers depending on how a roll or sequence of rolls turn out. Offshore casinos often provide tutorials to help newcomers understand the various betting options.
Poker
Various forms of online poker, including Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and Seven-Card Stud, are available at offshore casinos. These platforms often host tournaments and offer multiple stakes to suit all players.
Timeline of Gambling Legislation in Maine
The timeline below succinctly outlines the significant milestones in Maine’s gambling legislation, illustrating how the state’s approach to gambling has developed over time.
- 1935: Maine legalizes and regulates pari-mutuel wagering on horse races, marking Maine’s first regulated form of gambling.
- 1970s: The state introduces additional forms of gambling, diversifying the gaming landscape in Maine.
- 1996: The Louisiana Gaming Control Board (LGCB) is established to oversee riverboat casinos, lottery providers, and other gambling activities in the state.
- 2000s: Maine establishes two traditional casinos, offering residents a series of casino games such as slots and table games.
- 2010s: Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) are legalized, providing another gaming option for Maine residents.
- 2023: Maine’s governor signs LD 585, legalizing sports wagering and granting exclusive online sports betting rights to the state’s four Native American tribes. The state’s two local casinos are restricted from offering online sports betting.
Maine Online Gambling FAQs
Is online gambling legal in Maine?
Currently, the only form of legal online gambling is sports betting. According to the existing laws, gambling online is not legal in Maine. Still, thousands of residents play their favorite casino games via offshore online casinos that are not based in Maine.
Are there legal implications for gambling online in Maine?
All the operators we recommend are international gaming platforms that operate outside of domestic jurisdiction. Because Maine’s online casino laws do not explicitly ban international casino platform, you can safely use them to gamble online.
Are online casinos in Maine safe?
Though internet betting is generally secure, there are disreputable platforms that might operate on the internet. Therefore, you must stick to the safest online casinos in Maine to ensure a secure online gambling experience. Among our suggested platforms, all are perfectly safe and do everything in their power to keep your private details secure.
What are the best Maine online casinos right now?
The answer is subject to what you expect from a gambling destination. For instance, if you’re a slot enthusiast, you should consider Wild Casino and Slots.lv. However, lovers of online casino games and sports betting, should try BetOnline and Bovada. All these sites are the recommended options in their specific domains.
What is the statutory minimum age for wagering in Maine?
You may engage in lottery and pari-mutuel wagering if you’re 18 or above. However, the minimum gambling age at Maine casinos is 21.
Are there local casinos in Maine?
Yes. There are currently two commercial casinos in Maine: the Hollywood Casino in Bangor and the Oxford Casino near Portland. Although the state allows tribal casinos, none are available at the moment.
Is it possible to win real money at Maine online casinos?
Yes, all of our recommended online casinos in Maine allow players to win real money. Experienced gamblers who understand the games they play are likely to win more money. If you’re a new online gambler, you should start by playing the demo version of any game to familiarize yourself with its mechanics before you gamble for real money. This will increase your chances of winning money online.
What is the minimum age to gamble online in Maine?
18 for international online gambling sites, even though the official gambling age is set to 21 for land-based casino gambling.
How do I open an account?
You need to submit your personal information via an on-site registration form. If you want to gamble for real money, you need to confirm your identity by submitting a photo or scan of your ID. Most sites don’t require you to be physically present in Maine, so anywhere in the US should be fine.
Where can I access Maine online gambling sites?
Anywhere in the United States, but remember that online gambling regulations differ from state to state. States that banned internet gambling include Washington and Utah.
Where can I familiarize myself with the official regulations over gambling in Maine?
Section 925 of the Maine Code is a great place to start. How do I deposit to my online gambling account? In most cases, you’ll have to go for a typical credit card or debit card transaction. Most experts recommend brands like Visa and MasterCard for maximum reliability.
What body regulates gambling in Maine?
Maine State Lottery and Maine State Gambling Control Board are both responsible for regulating gambling in Maine. However, as casino gambling is not legalized in the state, these regulatory bodies have nothing to do with online casino regulations.