The state of Kentucky just launched sports betting back in the month of September, and there are now less than 20 states without any sports betting. This industry could grow yet again by the end of 2023, as the state of Maine is looking to launch at some point in November.
Maine is not a sport with any real culture or history when it comes to sports, but the state simply couldn’t pass up the chance to legalize sports betting. This industry continues to be a great source of revenue for many states, and Maine should see some decent results during the NFL season.
The Northeast is one of the parts of the country where sports betting is popular, and the Midwest is the other. Maine is not going to be a large sports betting market, but at least one big-name operator will be available to customers.
Native American Tribes Have Monopoly
Governor Janet Mills played a big role in the legalization of sports betting as she worked with Native American tribes in order to get a bill passed. Maine is not a state with a huge gambling culture, but the Native American tribes are in control of what is currently available.
Native American tribes in the state have a monopoly over all forms of iGaming in the state, but sports betting is the first goal. Not only will only sports betting become available, but the tribes are also able to establish retail sportsbooks as well.
Online sports betting should be up and running at some point in early November, while the retail sportsbooks won’t come until early 2024. Mobile betting is expected to be the most popular way to wager on a sporting event, but having some in-person options will be great as well.
The Wabanaki Nation is the group of tribes that are allowed to offer sports betting in Maine, and they should be able to cash in as well. That tribal nation was able to form a partnership with Caesars, and that is the company that will actually power the online sportsbook.
Plenty of Steps Taken
It has been a slow-moving process to get sports betting up and running in the state of Maine, but things are progressing quickly. The Maine Gambling Control Unit just recently published the sports betting regulations that will be in place, and that was an important step.
The public in Maine had a chance to comment on the proposed sports betting regulations, and there were some changes that were made. The Gambling Control Unit is now trying to make the final changes that are necessary to launch sports betting, and the rules should be published soon.
Caesars is the only company that has announced plans to offer online sports betting in Maine, but there could be another operator coming as well. The Passamaquoddy Tribe has not yet announced a partner, and that could allow another sportsbook to enter Maine.
If the state ultimately moves to a position in which online casino gambling is available, then Caesars is a company that can offer that as well.
