Caesars Sportsbook Signs First Digital Sports Betting Deal in Maine

Caesars Entertainment has launched its online sports betting platform in Maine, becoming the first operator to do so. Maine's residents will now have the opportunity to bet on a range of sports and events from their mobile devices or desktop computers from anywhere in the state.

Under Maine's sports betting regulations, residents, and visitors aged 21 and over can place bets on professional and college sports (excluding in-state colleges) and other events, such as political elections and awards shows. The state's mobile betting market is expected to generate millions of dollars in revenue each year, with Caesars and other operators vying for a share of the market.

From No Operators to Caesars, More to Come?

In early April, there were reports that no sportsbook had applied to operate in Maine. Caesars was the first to do so and were approved. The state's four Indian Tribes are all allowed to have a deal with an operator. The Caesars deal is actually with three of the four tribes, meaning Caesars essentially holds access to three of the four possible online skins, only leaving one available. 

It will be interesting to see if any other operator will try to get in on the Maine sports betting action, especially after early signs indicate no operators were applying to operate in the state. Perhaps for Caesars, knowing they could own over half the state's access made it too enticing not to jump at the opportunity. 

Possible Launch Timing

Launching Caesars' online sports betting platform in Maine is part of the company's broader strategy to expand its US sports betting market presence. Caesars operates sportsbooks in several other states and is one of the US’s most widely available sportsbooks.

As of now, there is no set launch date, but the Gambling Control Unit of Maine, the state's regulator, is pointing towards a launch in time for the start of football season.