Gambling Laws In Maine
There are a number of gambling laws in Maine and at the federal level which have put regulations in place for gambling. However, it is important to remember that such laws as the Federal Wire Act and the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) were initially meant to slow organized crime and corruption across the nation. These laws completely outlaw the conducting of a gambling business that facilitates bets for profit however they do not outlaw the actual simple act of placing a bet. The laws were designed to catch the big fish providing funding to nefarious activities while leaving the small fry recreational bettors free to swim out of the net.
The federal government leaves much room for states to enact their own laws and regulations in regards to gambling as Maine happens to be one such state that has done so. This site is available to all those in the Pine Tree State who wish to inform themselves of their own state gambling laws and how and where they may safely and legally go to wager in the region.
According to the State of Maine's gambling laws under Title 17-A(2), chapter 39, section 952, sub-section 4 of the Revised Statutes, the act of gambling is defined. Read the language of this laws and it's not hard to realize that this act is considered separate from the term "Unlawful Gambling" which is defined in the legislation in Title 17-A(2), chapter 39, section 954. Also mentioned is the 'advancement of gambling activity' which would go along with federal laws forbidding the business of gambling, and is deemed unlawful by the State of Maine.
These laws are pretty ambiguous as the state does not have a hard-lined stance against or for gambling and it is legal in certain instances while not in others. For instance, games of chance are prohibited but can be legally available through licensed means such as the state lottery or a state licensed casino while games of skill are allowed but can then be prohibited if there is any element of chance. Maine's laws can be interpreted in different ways which can be applied to whatever the state's endeavors may be at any given time in regards to expanding or lessening the features of casinos. What all of this means is that gambling in Maine is lawful so long that it is within a state licensed facility and therefore has lawful gambling.
Maine has a state lottery and two state licensed casinos in which residents may gamble legally as well as a Native American tribal casino which operates outside of state regulations. It is important to note from the language of the Maine state gambling laws that 'unlawful' only means that something is not explicitly authorized by the state. There are no penalties which are clearly stated which means that gambling is not criminalized within Maine's borders however we would strongly recommend to all those in Maine that engaging in the business or promotion of gambling is absolutely a bad idea which may result in swift prosecution.
Land-Based Gambling In Maine
The two state licensed casinos in Maine are the Hollywood Slots Hotel & Raceway in Bangor and then the Oxford Casino is Oxford. Both of these state sanctioned establishments offer all of the traditional favorites found in a Vegas styled casino including a wide range of table games such as Blackjack and roulette as well as live poker rooms and a variety of slots. The Hollywood Slots Hotel & Raceway has the added benefit to offer harness racing either live in person or simulcast in a pari-mutuel betting format to give Maine residents added action beyond the walls of the casino. The lone Native American tribal casino located in the state of Maine is actually not a traditional casino but in fact a massive bingo hall. Penobscot High Stakes Bingo is a unique place where players are able to make weekend excursions for absolutely massive payouts that average up to $250,000 every weekend.
Online Gambling In Maine
Maine is extremely friendly when it comes to online gambling as there is no mention of the internet anywhere in the state's legislation. This leaves locals in the Pine Tree State free to rely upon the federal laws already in place, stated earlier on this page, which affords all U.S. citizens the ability to place wagers at will provided that they are not engaged in the business of gambling for profit other than personal winnings. The only condition which must be met is that a venue that is able to facilitate a resident of Maine's bet is that the site be located outside of federal jurisdiction.
There are a vast number of online gambling sites for Maine residents which meet all these important parameters and many of them have been operating for decades with many positive reviews. Many of these sites are even found as nearby as neighboring Canada and even cater solely to an American audience. These sites answer to their own host nation's gambling and banking laws and are held in high regard as many citizens from Maine have been enjoying fantastic gaming experiences along with reliable and steady payouts of their winnings. They are in no way affiliated with local or federal governments yet are completely available to everyone of legal age in the Pine Tree State
Popular Gambling Options In Maine:
Online Sportsbooks - Online Casinos - Online Poker
One such site that has remained with locals here in Maine is Bovada.lv. Initially started as the popular American company 'Bodog', this online gambling site moved to neighboring Canada due to changes made in federal laws which necessitated a move to continue servicing the American public's betting desires. With decades in the business, they are renowned the world over while providing the utmost in customer support, security, site design, privacy and safe and efficient banking transactions. This online gambling site also offers every major form of gambling under the sun to Maine locals even including sports betting, a rarity outside of the liberal gambling laws of Nevada.
The online sportsbook at Bovada is used by such reputable sources as ESPN, CBS Sports and USA Today for their superior bookmaking and betting lines. Maine residents will find that they are able to wager on anything in any major American sport including the New England Patriots chances of yet another Super Bowl victory. New members are instantly rewarded upon joining as well with Bovada dishing out a generous 50% welcome bonus on every new member's very first deposit which can be worth up to $250 in free bets on anything on the entirety of the sportsbook. The framework is in place at Bovada just outside of Montreal for Maine residents to feel like they are basking on the glow of Nevada without having to leave the comfort of their own homes. Also be sure to check out their online poker room and their online casino for the full experience.
| Best Overall Betting Sites | Sports? | Casino? | Poker? | Horses? | Visit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bovada | YES! | YES! | YES! | YES! | Play Now! |
| BetOnline | YES! | YES! | YES! | YES! | Play Now! |
| SportsBetting | YES! | YES! | YES! | YES! | Play Now! |
Maine gambling codes state that the legal gambling age in the state of Maine is 18 years of age, or older, however land based casinos in the state may require residents and visitors to be at least 21 years old to game on their floors. For those in the Pine Tree State wishing to bet online at one of our recommended gambling sites for Maine residents, the legal gambling age remains at 18 or older.
Best For All Gaming Types
