Online Gambling In Maine

• Sports Betting In Maine
• Can You Gamble Online In Maine
• Online Gambling In Maine
• Maine Off Track Betting
• Maine Casinos With Slots

• Online Gambling in Maine – Maine Casinos Online To Gamble With The Pine Tree State has been quite liberal concerning gambling activities. There’s a casino, as well as bingo halls and racetracks, followed by the lottery. Unfortunately, Maine officials did not seem willing enough to fast-track online gambling legislation just yet.
• Yes, online gambling is legal and Government regulated in many countries, including the UK. However, in some countries, like Saudi, all gambling is illegal. In other countries, like the US, there are lots of different opinions, and the laws vary from State to State.
• Gambling in the United States is legally restricted. In 2008, gambling activities generated gross revenues (the difference between the total amounts wagered minus the funds or 'winnings' returned to the players) of $92.27 billion in the United States.

There is not a legal Maine online casino either. The casinos are generating a lot of revenue so there is hope that regulations will be loosened. There was a lot of hesitation introducing casinos to Maine, they are proving popular and attracting regular visitors. John Isaac, Editor. Maine legal online gambling is available only via licensed and regulated international betting sites operating outside of the US. ME residents can play at 18 and up. Maine only allows for legal online gambling through sanctioned and regulated offshore platforms operating online.

Maine has a legal and successful gambling entertainment industry, which proves there is a demand for gambling sources. However, there are only two establishments in the state where residents can go to enjoy casino gambling. There are other forms of legal gambling in the Pine Tree State including poker, pari-mutuel wagering, and the state’s lottery.

This page will take a look at the legally sanctioned gambling options available to players in Maine, including brick and mortar destinations and licensed online gambling opportunities. We will also explain the legalities relevant to gambling in the state and how the industry is affected by both Maine gambling laws and US federal gambling laws.

Is Online Gambling Legal In Maine?

Between the 2011 DOJ Legal Opinion and the recent repeal of PASPA, individual states have more opportunity than ever to establish domestic Internet gambling platforms, though most of them, including Maine, have yet to take advantage of this option.

Maine has made no moves to legalize any form of state-regulated online gambling. State laws do not prohibit offshore online gambling that is licensed and regulated. Until such time that lawmakers initiate any changes in state law, offshore online gambling will be the primary source for interactive betting and gaming online.

Legal Online Gambling Sites For Residents Of Maine

Following are the top online gambling sites operating legally within the industry that welcome players from Maine as customers. They are each licensed, regulated and possess valid compliance certifications. They pay out fairly and timely and enjoy a positive reputation throughout the online gambling community.

Other Maine Gambling Pages

Legal Forms Of Gambling In Maine

The legal forms of gambling in ME include

• Pari-mutuel horse race betting (2 locations)
• The Maine Lottery
• Casino Gambling (2 locations)
• Poker
• Charitable Gambling
• Online gambling through licensed and regulated offshore betting sites

Can I Play Real Money Casino Games Online In Maine?

Yes, Maine residents can legally place bets on casino games of all sorts with offshore online casinos that service the United States. State laws allow residents to play licensed offshore casinos that are in compliance with local regulators. Our guide to Maine online casinos will simplify the legal jargon and provide valuable site information to help you decide what online casino is right for you.

Can I Play Online Poker In Maine?

Yes, Maine residents can legally access online poker rooms with licensed offshore poker sites. There are currently no domestic online poker options available, but residents are free to explore offshore options and place online poker bets. Offshore poker sites offer online poker rooms 24/7 and provide generous bonus options for players. To learn more about online poker in Maine, check our guide to Maine online poker sites.

Can I Bet On Sports In Maine?

Yes, Maine residents can legally bet on domestic, regional, or international sporting events with offshore online sportsbooks that service the USA. Maine legislatures are expecting multiple sports betting bills to be introduced in 2019, but until then, online sports betting is Maine’s only legal option. Our guide to Maine online sportsbooks will pave the way to quality services accessible to Maine residents.

Can I Play Online Bingo In Maine?

Yes, online bingo is permitted by the state through offshore online casinos. Since there are no domestic online casino options, therefore, local regulations allow Maine residents to play online bingo via offshore gambling sites that are licensed and regulated. Our Maine online bingo guide will help you choose a trusted online casino while breaking down all the services and banking options included with starting an account.

Land Based Gambling Venues In Maine

Maine is home to 2 brick and mortar casino locations that also offer poker. These are:

• Oxford Casino Hotel – Oxford, ME
• Hollywood Casino Hotel & Raceway Bangor – Bangor, ME

Residents can find class III casino games and live poker at both destinations as well as horse race betting at the Bangor establishment.

Destinations For Pari-Mutuel Wagering In Maine

ME residents can place pari-mutuel wagers at two brick-and-mortar locations. These are:

• Hollywood Casino Hotel & Raceway Bangor – Bangor, ME
• Scarborough Downs – Scarborough, ME

Online Gambling FAQs

Will Maine Legalize Online Gambling In The Near Future?

Maine is an aversive state when it comes to online gambling. They have been capable of legalizing domestic online casino and poker gambling since 2011, yet nothing has come to fruition. Domestic sports betting is now on the table as well and State Representative Louis Luchini believes there will be multiple bills on sports gambling put forth in 2019 (per the Press Herald).

Is Gambling Popular In ME?

Maine’s land based casino market generated $54.5 million in tax revenue in 2017. It is estimated that sports betting would increase that revenue yield. While gambling options are currently limited, it is a popular commodity.

Have There Been Any High Profile Arrests With Gambling In Maine?

Stephen Mardigan, 61, was arrested and found guilty of organizing an illegal sports betting operation for over 15 years that generated millions of dollars. Mardigan faces up to 28 years in federal prison and millions of dollars in fines. He is also expected to give up his 18 property holdings to the state.

Who Regulates Gambling In Maine?

Sports Betting In Maine

The Gambling Control Unit is tasked with regulating gambling in Maine. If domestic online gambling is ever legalized, the GCU would be in charge of overseeing the new market.

Scratch off cards have come a long way since the 1970s when the first card was released by the Massachusetts lottery. There are now thousands of cards to choose from at lottery retail outlets across the country. You can now also play these games online. States with regulated online casinos and online lottery games give you access to online scratch offs. These add colorful themes and entertaining gameplay to the original idea.

Prizes for scratch offs can be huge. Retail cards with $1 million+ top prizes are available. Online you can win10,000x your buy-in or more in multiple games.

This page has everything you need to get the best from online scratch offs. This includes information on which states offer them via regulated casinos, the most popular games, and how the online games compare to the retail scratch offs we know and love.

Online games with games like scratch offs

Real money scratch off casinos

Legal online casinos are already available in many states. With regulation and licensing underway, the list of states where you can enjoy online scratch offs is growing. You will find them alongside slots, table games, virtual betting games, and video poker.

The current list of states with online casinos includes New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and West Virginia. Some states also have online lottery games – residents of Michigan can access scratch offs via the Michigan lottery website. National and international brands partner with local casinos in the regulated states. They develop apps that can host hundreds of different games. You can enjoy scratch off and novelty games at brands including BetMGM, FanDuel, andSugarHouse casino in New Jersey.

Online scratch games are an ideal way to take advantage of casino bonuses. Real money online casinos in the regulated states offer a mix of no deposit bonuses, matched welcome bonuses, and ‘no lose’ deals based on your first day’s play. While table games and video poker are often excluded from bonus clearing, online scratch offs contribute 100% to your bonus play-through target.

Keep in mind that the ongoing benefits are important. Once you find a casino online that offers the mix of scratch cards, slots, and other games you enjoy – those loyalty rewards and player promotions will make a big difference to your bankroll over time.

Popular online scratch off games for real money

Online scratch offs allow for play over multiple ‘rounds’. They have entertaining themes, quirky gameplay and sometimes add elements from ‘gems’ type mobile games or even sports into the mix. The core of these games is the same as retail scratch offs — only with a lot more features.

The examples of online scratch offs below show how diverse these games are. Many of them can be accessed in demo-mode, allowing you to find the games you like best before you commit to playing scratch offs for real money.

1. Color Cubes

This IGT online scratch off is loosely based on mobile gems games. You start by selecting a stake between $1 and $10. A grid then fills with colored blocks. You have 8 ‘turns’ where a block is selected and you are awarded all the matching colored blocks which are joined to the selected one. These can be auto-selected, or you can click each time. To the left of the blocks are the prizes. You collect blocks in groups to fill lines – and can win up to $250,000. Bomb symbols explode to give you all the adjacent blocks. Star symbols supply instant wins.

2. Ghostbusters: Spectral Search

This online scratch off takes the familiar 3×3 grid idea to a new level. It is based on the Ghostbusters movie franchise. You get five picks to match as many ghosts as possible. The Stay Puft man has the biggest prize of 15,000x your bet. If you find Slimer you get an instant win. Other ghosts have prizes for between two and four of a kind. The animations are amazing for this game, with the different monsters coming to life on the screen. You can pick a location to search or take one at random.

3. Medieval Money: Dragon’s Loot

Instead of scratching to reveal pictures, you get to catapult rocks at a medieval castle in this game. Each rock you throw will smash a hole in the walls, revealing gems. These move to the left, where they accumulate in lines triggering prizes. The top prize is 25,000x at $10 per ticket, or 15,000x at $1. There is a bonus game, which is triggered if you reveal a dragon. You get to pick from three piles of treasure, which will give you either more gems or an instant win.

4. DoublePlay: Super Bet

You need to match three symbols to win in this online scratch off from UGT. These symbols include red sevens, stars, bells, and lucky horseshoes. The big win potential comes in when you get three of the logo/badge symbols. This will trigger five free games at the same bet size used for your current card. For those five games, the prizes are tripled. This boosts the top prize (for three diamonds) from 1000x to 3000x. Bet sizes for DoublePlay SuperBet range from 3c up to $50.

5. Irish Eyes 2

You will see a classic Irish redhead on the 3×3 grid of this game. It is a classic scratch off format, where you must match three symbols to win a prize of up to 1000x your bet. Those symbols show classic luck of the Irish symbols. They include a four-leaf clover, leprechaun’s hat, and a pipe. If you are lucky enough to find pots of gold, then you win five free games. These are based on the bet amount of your triggering card, with a multiplier added to each win.

6. Medusa Scratch

In Greek myths, the Medusa was a hideous creature whose hair was made of snakes. This NextGen online scratch off uses a far more glamorous picture. This game uses the classic nine squares, with prizes awarded for matching three of the symbols. Those symbols include buildings, coins, and warriors. You can click on each square in turn, or auto-play, which reveals them all instantly. Get three logo symbols for five free cards with 3x win multipliers.

7. Merlin’s Millions Scratch

Merlin was the wizard involved in the legends of King Arthur. The version used by NextGen for this online scratch off has a friendlier demeanor. This is a classic scratcher game setup, where you need to match three symbols from a grid of nine to win a prize. The top prize (for matching three Merlin symbols) is a generous 1000x your triggering bet. If you match three orbs, you get three free cards, where all of your prizes are doubled.

8. The Price is Right: Come on Down

You will recognize the logo from the famous TV game show, though the gameplay is brand new. There are two main games, and two bonus games to enjoy. You set your bet, then click two rows of prizes. If you match three cash amounts, that is what you win. The second game uses squares with question marks. They show objects with prizes – here you win the ones in gold. If you get three mountain signs in either game, you play a ‘cliff hanger’ bonus game. There is also a wheel spin bonus called ‘Showcase Showdown’ which gives you a shot at winning up to 100x your original prize.

9. The Voice Scratch Off

This online scratch off is based on the TV talent show. It shows a row of seven red chairs, with prizes above each. You get seven rounds, with each round seeing between one and four of the chairs turning around. They reveal one or more colored music notes, which line up in rows above the chair. Prizes are triggered when you hit the top of each column. You can also receive instant wins.

10. Wheel of Fortune: Winning Words Game

There are two phases to this scratch card style game. You spin the iconic Wheel of Fortune wheel to start. This gives you three prizes – one for each predetermined word. You then see a row of cards, which flip to reveal letters. If you complete your word, you win that prize. The designers of this game keep you on edge by making sure one or more words only needs a single letter to complete. There is an additional random bonus wheel round, where your wins can be multiplied.

Virtual scratch offs vs Lottery retailer games

Many online scratch offs closely resemble the gameplay of their physical counterparts. There are some significant differences, especially when it comes to the complexity of the gameplay and the ability to have extras like bonus rounds or win multipliers.

Here are some of the key reasons to enjoy online scratch offs:

• Flexible bet sizes: It is rare to find a retail card at less than $1. Online, your bet sizes can be anything from a few cents up to $50.
• Bonus games: Spin a wheel to get a win multiplier or find the right symbols to win five free games at 3x on all wins. Online scratch off bonus games are varied, as well as potentially very profitable.
• Instant play: No need to get a coin and rub off the symbols one by one. Online cards let you reveal all the symbols at once, so you can get straight on with the next game.
• Novel graphics: Retail cards cannot give you the option to throw rocks at a castle — or spin a wheel to get a mountain climber moving upwards.
• Casino bonuses: The online casinos that host scratch offs will offer bonuses for new players. They can include no deposit deals, matched welcome bonuses, and special promotions.
• Mobile play: Access scratch offs from anywhere via your iPhone or Android smartphone with online casino apps.

Here are the key advantages of retail scratch offs:

• Availability: You can buy retail lottery tickets and scratch offs in most states. The online versions are currently only available in a handful of states.
• Charity: State lotteries are set up to provide funding for good causes including education, veterans, and the environment.
• Jackpot potential: Retail cards can have huge top-prizes, with the biggest being $1 million or more.
• Remaining wins: In some lotteries, the proportion of cards with big wins with each design is published. This allows you to be strategic in your choices.
• Huge choice: Online casinos have a handful of scratch offs, some lotteries have 20+ games to choose from, with new/seasonal cards appearing all the time.
• Control: Since you need to head to your local lottery retailer to buy scratch offs, there is less temptation to gamble with money you cannot afford.

How do I increase my chances of winning?

You can’t. The odds are stacked against you. To demonstrate this, we’ve provided a chart below comparing the odds on the highest paying scratch tickets across the US.

Can You Gamble Online In Maine

Odds of winning top prize across the US

If you’re playing online, the outcome is controlled by random number generator software, which means you cannot affect your chances. There is no strategy involving betting more after losing or varying your bets in specific ways that will influence how often you win. As with all games, the house edge is a mathematical fact.

You can do this by playing only with money you can afford to lose, making sure you are not showing signs of problem gambling, and finding the games that are entertaining to play — then seeing any wins as an extra.

History of scratch offs

Online Gambling In Maine

The concept of instant win games started with Pull-Tabs. All this would change in 1973 when two inventors — John Koza and Daniel Bower — combined forces to create the first modern scratch off games. There was more to this than simply creating a surface to scratch. Math was needed to develop games that had fair returns and to randomize the outcomes for the lottery operators.

Maine Off Track Betting

Scientific Games was created in 1974 to market the new cards. This company went on to become one of the biggest names in gambling. Their modern brands include Bally, WMS, and Barcrest slots — plus Shuffle Master for devices for casino table games. The first cards were produced for the Massachusetts lottery, though they would soon become hugely popular across multiple states with lottery games.

Maine Casinos With Slots

Cards are now created by lotteries across the country. A new format saw these cards move online in the early 2000s. With online casinos not available in every state in the USA, it is only recent state-level regulation that has seen them become available. You can enjoy game show themed novelty games, plus cards which are closer to the original concept of revealing three matching symbols online.