Maine Online Casino Real Money – Gambling Laws in The Pine Tree State

Land-Based Casinos in Maine

There are two legal and active land-based casinos in Maine:

• Hollywood Casino Bangor in Bangor (which started off as a racetrack)
• Oxford Casino Hotel in Oxford

Voters approved the Maine Slot Machines at Commercial Horse Racetracks Initiative in 2003 to pave the way for legal slot machines. An amendment was added to this law in 2011 to allow these approved casino locations to offer table games.

Horse & Dog Tracks

There are two active horse tracks that host live harness races every year:

• Hollywood Casino Bangor in Bangor
• First Tracks Cumberland in Cumberland,

These two locations and a handful of approved off-track betting shops offer legal betting on Maine’s harness races and interstate simulcast horse racing.

Betting on dog racing is not permitted in ME.

Online Sports Betting

Governor Janet Mills signed LD 585 into law in May 2022 to give tribes in Maine the authority to control mobile sports betting.

Online sports betting launched over a year later, in November 2023, and is legal at state-approved mobile sportsbooks.

Bingo Halls and Charitable Gambling

Charitable bingo (also referred to as beano) games run by licensed non-profit organizations are legal statewide.

The top single prize for a game of charitable bingo can be at most $400 in value, and the total amount of all prizes awarded at one event may be at most $1,400.

Social Gaming at Home

The law does not consider social gaming as a form of “unlawful gambling” per Title 17-A §952 of the state’s criminal code.

The game is permitted as long as no one besides the players in the game stands to gain anything of value.

Poker Rooms and Clubs

Maine’s only legal live poker room operated at Hollywood Casino before it closed indefinitely in 2020 during COVID-19 shutdowns.

Even when it was open, games were minimal, with only four tables available.

Poker players looking for a matchup can either play social games at home or online poker at sites outside of ME.

Eight-Liners

The slot machines at ME’s two state-approved casinos are the state’s only legal electronic gambling devices.

Illegal gambling machines like eight-liners are not allowed or commonly found here.

Online Slots

Every spin on a slot machine can result in a bonus feature or a jackpot.

Slots have been trendy in the state since they became legal in 2003. Nowadays, players can enjoy the thrill of playing these games without traveling to a land-based casino.

Online slots on offshore sites give players access to a large variety of games that function the same way as in-person slots do.

For example, our top recommended online casinos have games with features and bonuses in a fishing theme that should appeal to many players.

Online Poker

Live poker has not been available in Maine since Hollywood Casino shut down its four-table poker room in 2020. Players looking for a game can always find one at an online poker site regulated outside of ME.

You can play No-Limit Hold ’em cash games and tournaments on one of the largest online poker networks in the world.

A vast player pool ensures that you will never have trouble finding a game at your preferred stakes facing other players from Maine and worldwide. Other popular games like Texas Hold’em and Omaha are also available!

Blackjack

Playing online blackjack gives players access to game variants they won’t always find at retail locations.

These versions of “21” include single-deck, double-deck, and the perfect pairs bonus game.

Live Dealer Games

While digital versions of table games online are great for most players, some players miss being able to see and interact with the dealer.

Thanks to live dealer games, a real casino experience is possible when playing on your computer or mobile device.

Popular live dealer games include roulette, blackjack, baccarat, and Super 6.

Players can watch the dealer spin the wheel or deal the cards in real-time and chat with them using the live software chat box.

Is Online Gambling Legal in Maine?

Sports betting and daily fantasy sports are legal using state-approved operators.

The Pine Tree State has no laws that expressly prohibit residents from playing at online casinos operating offshores outside of the state’s jurisdiction.

And since the state’s laws against unlawful gambling focus on the person or entity profiting from gambling as opposed to the player, there is no legal precedent for online gambling being an issue.

Unlawful Gambling is Illegal in Maine

Any person intentionally profiting from unlawful gambling activity is guilty of a Class D misdemeanor, according to Title 17 of ME Criminal Code.

This crime can jump to a Class B felony in the event of aggravated unlawful gambling, which includes taking over $500 in sports bets or over $1,000 in other gambling enterprises in 24 hours.

Exception: Social Gambling is not a form of unlawful gambling. You can not profit from gambling in the form of a rake for hosting a game, but doing so as a player in a social game is permitted.

Licensed Slot Machines are Allowed in ME

Slot machines are allowed at Maine’s two legal casinos, with one being a stand-alone casino and one also serving as a horse racetrack (also known as a racino). These two locations may operate up to 1,500 slot machines each at any time.

According to Maine Criminal Code Title 8, slots must have a minimum average daily aggregate payback percentage of 89% for all machines every quarter.

Online Sports Betting is Permitted

State-approved operators can legally accept sports bets online.

In-person race tracks, casinos, and off-track betting shops can also apply for a facility sports wagering license to offer on-site sports betting.

Confirm Game Transparency

The top online casinos prioritize transparency, furnishing detailed game information, including game rules, expected returns, and software developer details.

Check information pages for various casino games to ensure transparency.

Verify SSL Encryption

Prioritize security by ensuring the chosen online casino utilizes Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) encryption or similar technologies.

This guarantees the safeguarding of personal and payment data.

Consider Banking Choices

Evaluate deposit and withdrawal methods provided by online casinos.

Confirm that the site has your preferred banking options before finalizing your decision.

Look For Responsible Gambling

Prioritize your well-being by selecting casinos promoting responsible gambling practices.

Look for features like self-imposed limits and access to help websites to ensure a safe and enjoyable gambling experience.

Investigate Licensing

Check the casino’s licensing status in its operating country. If information is elusive, contact customer service for comprehensive regulatory insights.