Legal mobile sportsbooks officially launched in Maine at 9 a.m. Friday when Caesars Sportsbook and DraftKings began accepting wagers. The two operators are the only legal sports betting apps available to bettors in Maine.
Maine residents will eventually be able to place in-person sports wagers at the state’s two retail casinos and at off-track betting facilities, but a timeline for when those facilities will accept wagers has yet to be determined. Retail partnerships have also yet to be announced.
DraftKings partnered with the Passamaquoddy Tribe to be one of the state’s two digital platforms, while Caesars Sportsbook announced in May its partnership with three of the four Wabanaki Nation tribes.
Comparison to regional peers
One of the 10 least populated states in the country, Maine isn’t expected to make a major impact on the U.S. sports betting market, but DraftKings and Caesars Sportsbook are pleased to extend their national reach.
Maine, we’re live and accepting mobile wagers in your great Pine Tree State!
You can earn @CaesarsRewards perks with every wager – including dining, hotel stays, & event tickets at over 50 Caesars Rewards destinations!
Download: https://t.co/7A3It8opAR pic.twitter.com/t9U8vVul06
— Caesars Sportsbook & Casino (@CaesarsSports) November 3, 2023
“We are very excited to be one of only two operators expected to operate OSB in Maine,” DraftKings wrote in a letter to shareholders. “As a result, we have included in our revised guidance our anticipated OSB launch in Maine and the corresponding investment of $10 million that will impact Adjusted EBITDA in the fourth quarter of 2023. Our strong performance allows us to absorb this incremental investment and still improve our implied Adjusted EBITDA guidance for the fourth quarter of 2023.”
Boston-based DraftKings has a strong presence in New England, including as the sole operator in New Hampshire and one of just two operators (FanDuel is the other) in Connecticut. DraftKings reported a mobile wagering handle of $622 million in 2022 in Connecticut, with gross gaming revenue of $62 million. In New Hampshire in 2022, DraftKings reported a handle of $891.7 million and revenue of $66.7 million.
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Both New Hampshire and Connecticut have larger populations than Maine, with Connecticut more than doubling Maine’s size. Estimates suggest that with its 10% tax rate, Maine may receive between $4-6 million annually in tax revenue from mobile sports betting.
Fifth to launch digital in 2023
Maine becomes the fifth U.S. state or jurisdiction to enable the launch of legal mobile sports betting apps in 2023. Ohio allowed for mobile sportsbooks to launch on Jan. 1, while mobile operators went live in Massachusetts in March. Mobile sportsbooks launched in Puerto Rico in June and in Kentucky in late September.
Legal mobile sportsbooks are also expected to go live in Vermont by the end of 2023.
North Carolina legalized mobile sports betting this year, but mobile operators won’t go live in the state until the first half of 2024. An official projected launch date in North Carolina has yet to be announced, but legislation requires the state’s mobile market to be up and running by mid-June 2024.
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Author: John Sommers
John Sommers is a distinguished figure in the world of gambling expertise, known for his deep knowledge and insightful analysis of the gaming industry. As a seasoned author, he has contributed extensively to the reputable gambling news site, TwinCasinos, focusing on providing valuable insights to English-speaking gamblers worldwide. With a career spanning over a decade, John has honed his expertise in various aspects of gambling, from strategic gameplay to industry trends and regulatory developments. His articles are revered for their blend of comprehensive research, astute observations, and a knack for demystifying complex concepts for both novice and seasoned players. Beyond his writing prowess, John has established himself as a trusted authority, often sought after for his expert commentary on the ever-evolving landscape of the casino and betting industry. His passion for responsible gambling and commitment to ensuring players make informed choices are evident in his work, making him a beacon of integrity in an industry that demands such values. Whether you’re a casual gambler or a dedicated enthusiast, John Sommers’ contributions to TwinCasinos promise to be an invaluable resource for navigating the dynamic world of gambling.
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