Sports Gambling In Maine
Maine is the northernmost state in New England. It’s also a smaller and quieter area, ranking 39th in land area and 42nd in population. These rankings and the state’s geographic location are probably part of the reason why there are no professional sports franchises in Maine. There are plenty of teams in New England for Maine residents to support. If you’re interested in placing bets on some of your favorite sports teams, then you’ve come to the right place.
This guide will inform you on the state and federal laws regarding sports betting and how you can safely and legally place bets online. You’ll also learn about the different online sportsbook that welcome bettors from Maine.
Most Reputable Online Sportsbooks Accepting Maine Residents In 2024
The list of online sportsbooks below are our picks for premium sports betting options for Maine residents. Our selections were made after careful review, extensive research, and an intense hands on review process. These sportsbooks offer features like live betting, live customer support, mobile betting apps, bonuses and strong security practices that keep your personal and financial information safe. Each of the sites also are all legally licensed and regulated. They offer a variety of betting lines similar to the ones you’d find in Las Vegas sportsbooks.
| Sportsbook Name | Bonus Offer | Rating | Play Now |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bovada Sportsbook | 50% Up To $1,000 | 98% | PLAY NOW |
| Betonline Sportsbook | 50% Up To $1,000 | 92% | PLAY NOW |
| Sports Betting | 50% Up To $1,000 | 92% | PLAY NOW |
Is It Legal To Bet On Sports In Maine As Of 2024?
At this time, it is not legal to own or operate a bookmaking business either online or offline in Maine. This means that there is no state licensed sportsbook gambling opportunities in the state of Maine. So where does that leave residents of the Pine Tree State? The key to betting legally in Maine is to ensure you only visit legally sanctioned betting destinations that are licensed to provide their services to gamblers around the world, including those in Maine. There are no state or federal laws that prohibit indivdiuals in Maine from enjoying legitimate online sportsbook gambling at legally regulated sports betting sites that are located and licensed outside of the US.
All of the sportsbooks listed in this guide are legally sanctioned offshore sportsbooks that are operating legitimately within the industry. It is not illegal for sports fans in Maine to place bets at these sites.
How State and Federal Laws Regulate Sports Betting in Maine
Maine state laws state that “any person is guilty of unlawful gambling if that person intentionally or knowingly advances or profits from unlawful gambling activity.” (954.1) The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), Federal Wire Act and the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) are all federal laws that pertain to sports betting. These laws combine to regulate US-based sports betting.
PASPA was enacted in the early 90s to combat the rise of legalized sports betting in the US. This law prohibits 46 states—including Maine—from having state sponsored sportsbooks, like the ones in Nevada. The Federal Wire Act regulates the placing of bets online with US-based sportsbooks and the UIGEA acts as a monitor for banks and other financial institutions and how they process transactions associated with online gambling.
While Maine state laws restrict “unlawful gambling”, there is nothing written about gambling with an offshore sportsbook that is licensed and operating legally within the industry. The same can be said about the federal laws in place regarding sports betting. These laws only apply to US-based sports betting, leaving Maine residents able to bet safely and legally with the offshore sportsbooks that we’ve recommended.
FAQs About Betting On Sports
Do I Have To Pay To Sign Up With These Sportsbooks?
No. There are no signup fees associated with any of these sportsbooks. There are also no monthly or annual dues. The only money being spent is the money you potentially lose betting if you lose your wager.
How Do I Place A Bet At An Offshore Sportsbook?
After browsing through the betting lines offered, you can begin placing bets by simply clicking on the bet you want. Once you select the bet you’ll be asked how much you want to put down on that particular outcome. You’ll see the bet you’ve placed on your bet slip—a tool in the top right or left hand corner of your screen where you can track the bets you’ve made. Some bet slips will show you how much you stand to win based on your wager. Bets can be placed from the sportsbook’s website or through their mobile betting app.
Can I Cancel A Bet Once It’s Been Placed?
No. Please be vigilant when placing your bets as all bets are considered final. This is why you should browse through all of the betting lines and double check your bet before you place it.
What Types Of Betting Lines Are Offered To Maine Residents?
These sportsbooks offer a wide selection of betting lines, wagering options and sports categories on which to bet. There are straight bets on the spread, propositional bets, future bets, money line, parlays, totals (over/under) and more. These sportsbooks want to offer their customers the most options so there are always plenty available.
What Is a Parlay Bet?
A parlay is a bet on two or more teams or selections. You can combine different sports, point spreads and money lines depending on the wagering options offered at the particular sportsbook you are betting at. You have to win all the outcomes of your wager in order to win the parlay. In a parlay your original stake and winnings are re-invested on the next game. In the event of a push (or tie), the parlay will reduce to the next lowest game number—a four-game parlay will go to a three-game parlay, etc.
How Do I Receive My Winnings From Offshore Sportsbooks?
When you’re ready to make a withdrawal all you have to do is select the withdrawal option on your account page. There are several withdrawal methods available, such as credit/debit card or check by mail, but sometimes the sportsbooks restrict you based on the method you chose for deposits. This can be clarified in the sportsbooks’ Terms of Service.
Do These Offshore Sportsbooks Offer High Quality Customer Service?
Customers are the number one priority for these sportsbooks, as they want to retain your business. Most offer live chat features where you can instantly connect with a representative to resolve any issues. There are also FAQs available that help to answer any questions you may have about payouts, betting lines, etc.
Can Residents in Maine Place Bets From A Mobile Phone?
All of the brands we feature in this guide have integrated a web based mobile app into their offerings. These applications allow users to manage their account, place bets, deposit and withdraw funds, and enjoy live in play betting as well. The apps utilize responsive technology to ensure compatibility across a wide range of devises and operating systems and mobile networks and platforms.