Online Casino Laws and Regulations in Maine

Last updated: 01/31/2024

Maine currently boasts a pair of fully operational casinos within its borders, with one located in Bangor and the other in Oxford. The state holds a rather permissive stance on legal gambling. Apart from the casinos, racetracks and bingo halls in the Pine Tree State also house legal slot machines. In 2022, Maine's state legislature passed a law that legalized sports betting, and the market officially launched on November 3rd, 2023.

However, when it comes to playing online casino games for real money, Maine imposes restrictions. Companies based in the state are prohibited from offering online casino gambling, and there are no immediate plans to relax regulations in this domain.

Nonetheless, this doesn't mean that enthusiasts have to visit a brick-and-mortar casino to indulge in their favorite games. Numerous offshore online gambling sites provide the opportunity to play roulette, blackjack, baccarat, and various other table games from the comfort of one's own phone, tablet, or computer. These offshore casinos operate beyond the reach of U.S. and Maine state law, as they are governed by the regulations of the countries in which they are based. Thus, while Maine may lack specific laws permitting online casino gambling for money, the sites' host countries do allow it. This legal loophole enables these platforms to offer not only a wide array of beloved casino games but also an abundance of other gambling options, including online sports betting and horse race betting.