Maine Race Tracks: Where to Bet on Horse Races in ME

Maine horse racing betting is legalized and celebrated in the state. You can experience live races at local tracks or place your bets at any of the Off-Track Betting (OTB) locations, engaging in pari mutuel horse racing betting. So, let’s explore more about the Maine horse racing scene that the state has to offer.

Most Popular Maine Race Tracks

First Tracks Cumberland

Address: 175 Blanchard Road, Cumberland, Maine 04021

First Tracks Cumberland is located at the iconic Cumberland Fairgrounds. Here, you can witness live harness racing events, a tradition held high for over 150 years. Unlike the Cumberland State Fair held every September, these races are separate events, giving you more opportunities to experience Maine horse racing betting.

With no charge for Grandstand admission, it’s an affordable way to enjoy a day at the races. The racing season runs from April to August and then picks up again in November and December. It’s fascinating to think that before the 1/3 mile track was built a few years after the first Cumberland Fair in 1868, these exciting races were held down Main Street.

Hollywood Casino Bangor

Address: 500 Main Street, Bangor, Maine, 04401
Phone: 877-779-7771

At Hollywood Casino Bangor the standardbred horse races are held between April and October. You can place a variety of bets including Place, Win, Show, Daily Double, Trifecta, Exacta, and Superfecta. Even when live races aren’t in season, you can enjoy simulcast wagering 365 days a year.

Beyond the track, try your luck at the casino, boasting over 800 slots and a variety of table games. After a day of excitement, unwind in one of the 148 deluxe rooms or 4 suites at the onsite hotel. Enjoy a meal at Epic Buffet, Take 2 Snack Bar, or Hops House 99.

Comprehensive List of Maine Race Tracks

Here’s a brief guide to the two Maine race tracks you can explore in the state.

OTB Wagering Locations in Maine

If you’re a fan of Maine horse racing, the state has plenty to offer. Not only is simulcast wagering legal, but the state also boasts numerous facilities where you can enjoy this exciting pastime. These venues offer live horse racing, right at your fingertips, no matter the season. So, let’s browse the best simulcast wagering locations in Maine.

Popular Maine Horse Races with Dates

The state hosts several popular horse races that you can bet on. Whether you’re a seasoned bettor or a newcomer to the sport, these races offer excitement and the chance to win big. Let’s take a look at some of the key dates and races.

Types of Legal Horse Racing Betting in Maine

In Maine, you have a wide array of legal horse betting options to choose from. You can place bets on thoroughbred and quarter horse racing, among others. The types of bets you can make range from the straightforward ‘Win’, where you bet on a horse to come first, to ‘Place’ and ‘Show’ bets, which involve predicting horses to finish in the top two or three respectively.

Other bet types include the ‘Daily Double’, ‘Exacta’, ‘Trifecta’, and ‘Superfecta’, which involve predicting the exact order of finish for two, three, or four horses.

Additionally, Maine permits advance deposit wagering, allowing you to fund your bets through licensed operators ahead of time.

Other Types of Gambling in Maine

Review all the details about Maine gambling laws and other forms of gambling in the state:

• Maine Online Casinos
• Maine Online Sportsbooks
• Maine Online Poker
• Maine No Deposit Bonuses
• Maine Casinos
• Maine Lottery
• Maine Sportsbooks

History of Maine Horse Racing

The history of Maine horse racing dates back to the 1800s when the first harness racing tracks opened. Bangor Trotting Park, a one-mile track, was established in 1851, followed by Maplewood Park in 1883.

Two more racetracks opened in 1892, but due to low entry numbers, they had to close in 1903. However, in 1950 pari mutuel wagering was officially legalized and these tracks reopened.

Scarborough Downs, built in 1950, was initially the only thoroughbred betting racetrack in the state. Later, it introduced harness racing and then switched to standardbred races only in the 1970s. 

In 2018, PASPA: Sports Protection Act was repealed by the Supreme Court, and around the same time, despite its historical significance, Scarborough Downs closed its doors.

The Maine State Harness Racing Commission, appointed by the governor, oversees live harness racing and off-track betting facilities, ensuring integrity in the industry. Simulcast racing is permitted at tracks that have had at least 150 live racing dates in the last two years.

Maine Gambling FAQ

Is horse racing legal in Maine?

Before attempting to place bets on horse racing, you should confirm the rules in your area, as US gambling laws by state vary. Maine racing is legal and you can enjoy both live harness racing and off-track betting in the state. The Maine State Harness Racing Commission oversees these activities to ensure integrity in the industry. Additionally, simulcast racing is permitted in the state.

Can I place horse racing bets in other states?

Yes, you can place bets on horse races from other states while being in Maine. This is possible by visiting simulcast wagering facilities. These venues broadcast races from various tracks across the country and allow you to place wagers on those races. It’s a convenient way to engage in horse racing betting without having to travel outside the state.

What’s the biggest of all Maine race tracks?

The largest race track in Maine is Scarborough Downs, located in the town of Scarborough. You’ll find it’s a half-mile standardbred horse racing track, known for its live harness racing. It’s been a key part of Maine’s horse racing scene for over half a century. Besides racing, Scarborough Downs also offers simulcast wagering on races from other tracks around the country.

Can I place bets online in Maine?

Yes, online betting is legal in Maine. The state allows online pari mutuel wagering, which means you can place bets on horse races through licensed online platforms. These platforms offer the convenience of betting from the comfort of your own home.

What options do I have for placing bets on Maine horse racing events?

There are several ways you can bet on horse racing events in Maine. You can go to physical Maine race tracks like Scarborough Downs and place your bets directly. You also have the option of simulcast and off-track betting, which allows you to wager on races happening at other tracks. Additionally, Maine permits online pari mutuel wagering, so you can place bets on licensed online platforms.

What’s the legal minimum age to place bets on horses in Maine?

In Maine, the minimum gambling age to place bets on horse races is 18 years old. This age restriction applies when you’re betting at a physical race track, participating in off-track betting, and betting online. Always ensure that you are practicing responsible gambling and know the legal age requirements.