When it comes to the laws and regulations of the various betting options within the state, they cannot all be painted with the same brush. Instead, we will need to look at each game type individually to find out the legalities in this regard:

• Horserace Betting: Betting on horses can be carried out at three of the main racetracks in the state, including Oxford Raceway, Hollywood Raceway, and Scarborough Downs. Here, live on-site pari-mutuel betting can be conducted, as well as off-site betting at licensed facilities around the state, conducted via simulcast. Unlike in several other states, Maine does not allow online or mobile betting on horses within their borders. Only persons 18 years and older may bet on races in Maine.

• Racino Casino Gaming: Hollywood Casino and Oxford Casino are the two sole casino establishments on Maine soil. These are hosted by the racetracks of the same names; offering games such as slots, video poker, blackjack, craps, roulette, baccarat, 3 card poker, Big Wheel, Ultimate Texas Hold’em, Mississippi Stud, Spanish 21, and High Card Flush to players aged 21 years and older.
Scarborough Downes does not offer alternative betting to horseracing but is fiercely lobbying the government for a casino betting license.

• Lottery: All lotteries are state-run and no independent entities may offer this type of gambling to the public. Under the license, the lottery offers various daily draws, like Pick 3 and Pick 4, as well as other draw types, including Gimme 5, Lucky for Life, and Hot Lotto Sizzler. Lottery tickets cannot be bought online and can only be played by gamblers who are 18 years of age and older.

• Charitable Bingo: Low stakes Bingo and Beano have been regulated and legal since 1975 and can only be hosted by registered Non-Profit Organisations who have been in existence for 2 years or more. These organisations will be required to purchase permits (once-off, weekly, monthly, or yearly licenses) to legally conduct gambling entertainment, offering bingo no more than 27 weekends of a calendar year.

• Online Gambling and Sportsbook: No forms of online gambling are legal in the state of Maine, including Sportsbook, however, Fantasy Sports are legal.

• Smoking Laws: The smoking laws are strange in Maine. While smoking cigarettes is illegal on casino floors at the racetracks, it is legal at the racebooks on the same premises, as well as in the bingo halls.

• Tax Laws: Gambling income is taxable just like any other income in the state of Maine and should be declared to the taxman whether the betting operator has furnished you with a tax certificate or not. Gamblers can expect to part way with up to 30% of their winnings. 25% is payable to the IRS for Federal Tax and 5% is payable for state taxes on amounts of $5,000 or greater.

All Gambling in the state of Maine is regulated strictly by the government, under the auspices of the Gambling Control Unit of the State of Maine. This department is responsible for the administration and enforcement of laws and rules governing Beano, Bingo, and Games of Chance. These duties include the licensing and registration of games, operators, ensuring the inspection and compliance of gaming devices, etc. The unit will also assist in the investigation of illegal gambling within the region.

When operating any form of gambling in the state, an individual/company will need to apply for a license to do so. There are several licenses up for grabs in the region, each with a distinct cost attached.

• Beano and Bingo Registrations for NPOS. These permits cost $5 once off, $12 per week, $36 per month, or $400 per year.
• License to Conduct High Stakes bingo or Beano. This is generally restricted to the Tribal operators.
• License to Conduct Games of Chance (Table Games).
• Casino Operator License. This costs $225,000 initially and $80,000 per renewal.
• Slot Machine Operator License. This costs $200,000 initially and $75,000 per renewal.
• Slot Machine Distributor License. This costs $200,000 initially and $75,000 per renewal.
• Table Game Distributor License. This costs $5,000 initially and $1,000 per renewal.
• Gambling Service Vendor License (For maintenance crews, security, and other affiliated services to the gambling sphere). This costs $2000.

The vetting of operators is a stringent process in the state. Not only are their finances and business plans scrutinized, but they are also held to a high ethical standard. The state takes no chances in this field. As such, they feel that it is not enough to vet the company, but each employee that works there too. All Executive and general staff members must undergo background checks before being certified to work within the industry. For this reason, the public can rest assured that they are being services by people of a high moral standard.