In Maine, you’ll find that the legal landscape surrounding ME land-based casinos is relatively straightforward. Currently, there are only two such establishments that are legally permitted to operate. These casinos are regulated by the state (Maine Gambling Control Board) and offer a variety of games, including slot machines and table games. It’s important to understand that while these casinos are legal, there are strict regulations in place to ensure fair play and responsible gambling.
Welcome to our comprehensive review of the top Maine casinos, where you’ll discover an in-depth analysis of the finest gambling establishments in the state. We’ll explore Maine’s brick-and-mortar casinos, highlighting their gaming offerings, amenities, and overall ambiance. From the bustling floors filled with slot machines to the thrill of table games, this guide aims to help you make informed decisions for an unforgettable casino experience in Maine.
Located in Bangor, Maine, Hollywood Casino has been welcoming visitors since its opening in 2008. With a vast gaming floor spanning over 30,000 square feet, this casino boasts an impressive array of games to keep you entertained. From classic table games like blackjack and roulette to a wide variety of slot machines, such as the popular Wheel of Fortune and the latest themed video slots, there’s something for every gambling enthusiast to enjoy.
The Epic Buffet offers a diverse selection of delectable dishes, while the Celebrity Bar & Grill provides a more casual dining experience. After indulging in some gaming action, you can unwind with your favorite drinks at the Hops House 99 or enjoy live music and entertainment at the SoundStage Lounge.
If you’re seeking a luxurious experience, you can opt to stay at the hotel conveniently located on the premises. Relax and rejuvenate at the spa, take a dip in the swimming pool, or work out at the fitness center to keep your energy levels up during your stay.
Hollywood Casino has typically received positive reviews. Guests appreciate the friendly staff, the variety of gaming options, and the vibrant atmosphere. While some have noted that the food prices can be a bit steep, the overall dining experience is still considered satisfying. Complaints are rare, and the casino’s reputation remains solid as a favorite gambling destination in the Bangor area.
Oxford Casino first opened its doors in 2012 and is based in Oxford, Maine. With a spacious gaming floor spanning approximately 30,000 square feet, this casino offers a wide variety of games to cater to different preferences. You’ll find an extensive selection of slot machines, ranging from classic reels to modern video slots, as well as popular table games like blackjack, roulette, and poker.
The Oxford Grill serves up delicious comfort food and all-day breakfast, while the Oxford Express offers quick bites for those on the go. For a more upscale experience, the Oxford Grill Buffet features a wide array of cuisines to please every taste. Additionally, Oxford Casino also houses several bars where you can enjoy refreshing drinks and socialize with fellow patrons.
The casino does not have an on-site hotel, but it offers partnerships with nearby accommodations for guests to stay conveniently close to the action. Though there isn’t a dedicated spa or fitness center on-site, the casino ensures guests have access to nearby wellness facilities. As for entertainment, Oxford Casino occasionally hosts live performances and events to add excitement to your visit.
Oxford Casino enjoys a mainly positive status among its visitors. Guests appreciate the friendly and attentive staff, as well as the overall ambiance of the casino. The dining options have received mixed reviews, with some finding the prices reasonable, while others consider them slightly high.
There are only two land-based casinos in Maine according to the Maine gambling laws, so it shouldn’t be much of a challenge for you to study their addresses, cities, and contact numbers. You’ll find all the information you need below:
| Name | Address | City | Phone Number |
| Hollywood Casino Bangor | 500 Main Street | Bangor | (877) 779-7771 |
| Oxford Casino | 777 Casino Way | Oxford | (207) 539-6700 |
With only two Maine casinos, you might be surprised to learn that they are even matched in more ways than one. For instance, let’s look at the overall size of each casino:
| Casino Name | Size |
| Hollywood Casino Bangor | 30,000 sq. feet |
| Oxford Casino | 30,000 sq. feet |
Oxford Casino just has the edge when comparing Maine’s two casinos side-by-side regarding the number of games supported:
| Casino Name | Number of Games |
| Oxford Casino | 1,000 games |
| Hollywood Casino Bangor | 800 games |
While the Hollywood Casino in Maine operates with a dedicated hotel on-site, Oxford Casino does not. However, Oxford has deals with nearby hotels to cater to its overnight bettors. This means that, overall, the casinos can be ranked by the number of rooms like so:
| Casino Name | Number of Rooms |
| Hollywood Casino Bangor | 152 rooms |
| Oxford Casino | 107 rooms (off-site) |
Next, we’ll explore the exciting games you can expect to find, helping you plan your perfect casino experience. From slot machines to classic table games, we’ll take you on a journey through the most popular and exciting gaming experiences, ensuring you’re well-informed to make the most of your legal casino visits in Maine.
Slots are a staple in Maine’s land-based casinos, offering you a chance to test your luck in a vibrant and lively setting. These casinos feature a wide range of slot machines, from traditional reels to the latest video slots. Whether you’re a fan of classic fruit machines or prefer more modern themes, you’re sure to find a slot game that suits your taste. It’s an engaging way to immerse yourself in the casino atmosphere and potentially walk away with some winnings.
Some of the most commonly found slots in Maine include:
Maine’s brick-and-mortar casinos offer you a variety of thrilling poker games. From Texas Hold’em to Omaha, these casinos cater to both novice and experienced players. The poker rooms are buzzing with excitement, where you can bluff, bet, and fold your way to victory. It’s a chance to test your strategy and skill in a competitive yet friendly environment.
Leading poker options in Maine’s casinos include:
If you head online, you’ll find poker games are commonly offered at the best live dealer online casinos in the US.
You’ll find a variety of roulette games that offer an exciting mix of chance and strategy in Maine. These games, which include both American and European versions, are a staple of the casino floor. Whether you’re placing your chips on a single number or a combination of numbers, the thrill of watching the wheel spin is unmatched.
Play the following roulette games in Maine’s two casinos:
In both of Maine’s two licensed and regulated B&M casinos, you can immerse yourself in a variety of engaging blackjack games. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a beginner, there’s a game for you. From classic blackjack to more innovative variations, each game offers a unique blend of skill and luck.
Commonly offered blackjack games in Maine include the following:
You’ll find an enticing array of dice games waiting for you in Maine. These games, which range from the traditional to the innovative, offer a thrilling blend of chance and strategy. Whether you’re rolling the dice in a game of craps or testing your luck in a round of sic bo, the excitement is palpable.
Our list, albeit not exhaustive, includes:
Beyond the traditional table games, B&M casinos in Maine offer a variety of other captivating gaming experiences. If you’re a fan of lottery-style games, you can try your luck with Keno or Bingo, both of which offer plenty of suspense and potential rewards. For card game enthusiasts, Baccarat and Pai Gow provide strategic challenges and thrilling gameplay.
Maine’s diverse “other games” include the following options:
It is possible to play online in Maine with top offshore casinos, sportsbooks, poker rooms, and apps like these:
Maine does not have any riverboat casinos. The state primarily offers two land-based ME casinos and other forms of gambling, but riverboat casinos are not among them. However, Maine does have an array of offshore casinos, some of which are amongst the best online casinos for real money in the US.
Maine is home to two federally recognized Indian gaming tribes. The Penobscot Nation, one of the oldest tribes in the region, has been instrumental in preserving their language and traditions. They previously ran the Penobscot High Stakes Bingo, but are not currently involved in other Indian casinos.
The Passamaquoddy Tribe, comprising the Passamaquoddy Indian Township and Passamaquoddy Pleasant Point Reservation, is another prominent gaming tribe in Maine. With a heritage deeply rooted in fishing and harvesting resources, the Passamaquoddy people’s gaming establishment, the Oxford Casino, provides visitors with a unique blend of entertainment and cultural experience.
In Maine, gambling taxes apply to your winnings from various forms of gambling, including casino games, lottery prizes, and horse racing. The state imposes a flat tax rate of 5% on all gambling winnings. As a player, it is your responsibility to report your gambling income and pay the applicable taxes to the Maine Revenue Services (MRS).
To report your winnings, you need to file Form 1040ME along with Schedule PT, which is specifically used to report gambling income and calculate the tax owed. If you have gambling winnings subject to federal income tax withholding, you must also file Form W-2G. It’s essential to keep accurate records of your gambling activities, including tickets, receipts, and other documentation, as the MRS may request supporting documents during audits.
Casino gambling was first legalized in Maine in 2004 with the approval of the state’s first racino, Bangor Raceway. However, it wasn’t until 2010 that the first full-fledged casino, Hollywood Casino, was opened in Bangor.
In Maine, you must be at least 21 years old to gamble in casinos. However, for bingo and lottery, the minimum gambling age is 18.
The first casino to launch in Maine was the Hollywood Casino, which opened its doors in Bangor in 2010.
Maine’s two casinos typically raise around $160 million a year, of which around $60 million finds its way into the state’s coffers.
Yes, you can bet on horse racing at off-track betting locations in Maine. However, dog racing is not permitted in the state. Maine has several off-track betting facilities where you can place wagers on horse races happening in and out of the state.
Both Hollywood Casino in Bangor and Oxford Casino in Oxford, Maine, are known to offer free parking to their visitors. However, please note that these policies may change over time.
There are two Maine land-based casinos. These are the Hollywood Casino located in Bangor and the Oxford Casino located in Oxford. There are far more choices for you if you head over to one of our best real money casino apps, though.
The state allows certain types of charitable gambling games for good causes, such as bingo and raffles. These games are typically operated by non-profit organizations and the proceeds are used for charitable causes. However, these organizations must obtain a license to operate these games from the Maine Gambling Control Board.
There are no reports of new casinos opening in Maine in the near future. However, the casino industry is subject to change, and new developments always occur. It isn’t impossible that a new venue will spring up in Maine in the future.
The minimum gambling age for casino patrons in Maine is 21 years old. Additionally, like most US state gambling laws, Maine’s state law allows casino gambling only at licensed facilities, and all casinos must adhere to regulations set forth by the Maine Gambling Control Unit.
Both land-based casinos in Maine, Hollywood Casino Bangor and Oxford Casino, are smoke-free indoors in compliance with state law. However, they do have designated outdoor smoking areas.
Pets are generally not allowed in casinos in Maine, with the exception of service animals. Both the Hollywood Casino Bangor and Oxford Casino have policies that only allow service animals.
In Maine, there are several resources available for individuals struggling with gambling addiction. The Maine Council on Problem Gambling is a good place to start and they can be reached via 1-800-522-4700. Gamblers Anonymous is ideal for those playing at online casinos in Maine. The National Council on Problem Gambling also offers a helpline that’s available nationwide (1-800-522-4700).
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