Following this, Hollywood Casino in Bangor was the first land-based casino to open in Maine. Oxford casino then opened its doors in the state in 2012. In terms of gambling in Maine overall, the options remain limited. Residents and visitors to the state can choose from the lottery, pari-mutuel wagering, classic casino games, and poker. However, online casinos are not legal in Maine.
The only online gambling option open to players in Maine is paid-entry daily fantasy sports. There are no regulated online casino options that let you play for real money. However, Maine is exploring the possibility of legalizing online sports betting so other forms of online gambling could be available in the future.
Is It Legal In Maine?
Although Maine offers residents and visitors to the state the opportunity to play traditional casino games in their land-based properties, regulated online casinos are not available. It has been suggested that one of the reasons why online casinos are illegal is because of the state’s population size. Maine has a population of just 1.6 million people, with the suggestion being Maine online casinos would not be able to generate large amounts of revenue.
However, as the online gambling industry grows across the United States, there is every chance real money online casinos could thrive in Maine. The current stance towards online gambling could change, especially when considering the recent action of liquidity sharing between three states that could lead to some exciting developments for Maine.
Maine Online Poker
Poker enthusiasts can legally play poker for real money in Maine land-based casinos. However, legal online poker sites are extremely limited in the state. One of the available websites is Global Poker, which features sweepstakes-based online poker games. This gives players the chance to win real cash prizes.
Legal online poker could become more prominent in Maine in the future. As we mentioned above, liquidity sharing could open doors for the state. New Jersey, Nevada, and Delaware are currently sharing players, and Maine could very well get in on the action. If online poker becomes widely available in Maine, it may be the case that residents need a liquidity sharing pact in place to make the games worthwhile.
Social Casinos in Maine
Although traditional online casinos are not legal in Maine, there are still some casino gambling options open to players. Social casinos are available through an internet web browser or an app, allowing players to play on the move. All of the most popular casino games are available such as slots, blackjack, video poker, and other table games, and it is free to play.
Although you cannot win money playing games like a typical online casino, social casino sites such as Chumba casino offer players the chance to win real money jackpots through a sweepstakes model. Essentially it is a game of chance, and even though it is not the same as a regulated online casino, it gives players in the state some casino gambling options.
Land-Based Casinos
Gambling in Maine is still a new concept; it has only been in action since 2005 when Hollywood casino opened its doors in Bangor. This didn’t exactly cause a wave of other casinos to open, but seven years later, Oxford casino joined the party. Casino gambling in Maine is restricted to those two properties; however, both Hollywood casino and Oxford do have numerous slots and table games available for players.
Bonuses & Promotions at Maine Casinos
There are no legal and regulated online casino sites available in the state of Maine; however, they could be introduced following the state’s push to launch online sports betting. If online casinos are given the green light in the Pine Tree State, it is worth knowing what bonus offers and promotions to look out for.
Online casino platforms will try and encourage players to register by offering incentives. These will include welcome bonuses that appear in different forms. One of the most common welcome bonuses an online casino will offer new players is a matched deposit offer. If your first deposit is $150, the casino will credit your account with $150. These will often come with wagering requirements, which will state how much you need to wager before you can withdraw the bonus funds.
One of the most attractive bonuses to keep an eye out for when searching for online casinos is a no deposit bonus. Although you won’t receive as much money as a matched deposit offer, you don’t have to send over any funds before playing these offers. Once you have completed the registration process at the casino, the stated bonus funds will be added to your account. Once again, make sure you read any associated terms and conditions before playing.
Banking
There will be numerous deposit and withdrawal methods offered by online casinos if and when they are available in Maine. Casinos need to ensure financial transactions are quick and secure for players. The most common deposit and withdrawal options available at online casinos include:
- Visa/Mastercard
- PayPal
- Neteller
- Skrill
- ACH/E-check
- Online Bank transfer
- PayNearMe at 7-Eleven
- Play+
E-wallets such as PayPal, Neteller, and Skrill allow you to deposit instantly. Withdrawal times will vary depending on which payment method you choose. If you select a credit or debit card, please be aware your bank may reject the payment as it has come from a gambling site. More payment options may become available in Maine once the state decides to regulate online casino sites.
Maine Gambling News
We will bring you all the latest news on Maine gambling laws, including new betting bills and legislation. Check this page for any updates on online gambling changes, state casino news, and more.