Sports Betting in Maine is Not Likely in the Cards in the Summer of 2023 as the Focus is Slowly Shifting to 2024
Maine has yet to join the sports betting industry, and it will probably take beyond this year to come to fruition.
Following the proposed rules in January, the operation was in sight, but the idea of launching is slowly fading away at the moment.
Legalized Sports Wagering Won’t Happen by the Summer
Maine was one of the states taking notes on other markets that took intensive notes on other markets that launched. Maine Gaming Control Unit Executive Director Milton Champion believed a June launch month was in the books.
He continued by stating, “I hate to be negative, but the process is the process,…After coming out of the public hearing with no real comments, thinking this is great, now we’ll be lucky to have it done by January 2024.”
Unfortunately, the hearing in the Pine Tree State didn’t go as planned, as it was smothered with pessimism rather than optimism.
Over 580 comments have been submitted by 24 different parties, Champion said. He and a staff member of the commission must sort through these comments, and decipher them. The goal is to approve them or simply reject them.
A new set of proposed rules for the sports betting initiative is set to be released sometime in the month of May. Problem gaming has been prevalent in the industry, and many states have taken strong approaches to mitigate the issue with strict parameters.
In Maine, it includes taking the no promotional deduction approach for the operators that want to conduct business in the state. In addition, another approach revolves around not letting renowned brand ambassadors will be able to promote sports gambling in the state.
The Sports Betting Push Moves Up the Calendar
After Governor Janet Mills signed a sports betting bill into law last year, Champion predicted that legal sports betting in Maine would not be available until 2024. Under the writing of the measure, the four tribes would be able to launch one online skin, while casinos and other gaming facilities can run brick-and-mortar locations.
It’s unknown which reputable sportsbook brands want to gain market access in the Pine Tree State because the comments came via their respective attorneys. The goal is to use the comments to draft new proposals.
However, it shows that Maine is behind the rest of the region. Massachusetts will join the mobile sports betting market just in time for March Madness.
Maine is Behind the Rest of the Party
Maine is the 40th most- populous state in the nation and was hoping to get more traffic, especially during the summer months. However, sports betting will most likely not be in the picture as the days proceed to the spring.
There is no doubt that Maine is a tourist attraction, but New Englanders are slowly getting more accustomed to legalized sports betting. The potential summer slowdown may not bring in heavy betting volume, but major leagues such as the MLB will be in season.
Massachusetts will be launching its mobile market on Friday. Bettors in the Bay State will be able to bet on in-state collegiate programs that punch a ticket to the NCAA tournament.
