Apr 8, 2018; Binghamton, NY, USA; Portland Sea Dogs pitcher Mike Shawaryn (25) throws the ball during the first inning of the game against the Binghamton Rumble Ponies at NYSEG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory J. Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
- Caesars Sportsbook has accepted the first in-person sports bet in the Pine Tree State
- Caesars Sportsbook partnered with First Track Investments
- Oddfellahs, located in downtown Portland, took the first bet on Friday, Sept. 13
Maine is now open for in-person sports betting business.
The Pine Tree state accepted its first in-person sports bet on Friday, Sept. 13, through a sportsbook in Portland powered by Caesars.
The bet was made possible through Caesars Sportsbook’s partnership with First Tracks Investments LLC and its Portland sportsbook Oddfellahs.
Caesars Launches Maine In-Person Sportsbook
Caesars officially launched in-person sports betting at downtown Portland sports bar Oddfellahs, which features self-service sports betting kiosks and a ticket window on-site. Caesars Sportsbook users can also deposit and withdrawal funds from their mobile accounts.
“Building something new is always a challenge, but great teams make great things possible,” said Michael Cianchette, CEO of First Tracks Investments, LLC, operator of Oddfellahs, in a press release. “This is an exciting venture for Maine’s harness racing industry, Wabanaki tribes, and sports fans across the state to access a new entertainment venue. We’re excited for whatever comes next and look forward to providing sustainable, responsible opportunities.”
A ceremonial first bet was placed by Portland Mayor Mark Dion alongside Caesars Sportsbook and First Tracks representatives, the Portland City Council and the Maine Gambling Control Unit.
According to the Portland Press Herald, Dion placed $20 on the heavily favored Los Angeles Chargers to beat the Carolina Panthers during Sunday’s slate of NFL action. The Chargers were -250 to beat the Panthers outright, meaning his $20 bet would have returned a total payout of $28.
The Chargers won 26-3.
“We’d like to thank Governor Janet Mills, the Maine Gambling Control Unit, the Portland City Council and the entire state legislature for making today possible,” said Eric Hession, President of Caesars Digital. “It’s great to see the momentum following our launch of mobile sports wagering in the state through our historic partnership with three of the Wabanaki Nations. With the first in-person sportsbook now operational, we look forward to collaborating with First Tracks on additional in-person opportunities in Maine.”
Other Maine Sports Betting News
In other Maine sports betting news, the head of the Maine Gambling Control Unit has come under fire from the state’s nine casino inspectors. The inspectors, who are members of the Maine Service Employees Association, signed a “vote of no confidence” for Milton Champion, the head of the state’s gambling control unit.
The inspectors noted in their public letter that Champion’s “leadership decisions pose a real threat to the Gambling Control Unit’s ability to serve the taxpaying public and regulate Maine casinos in a responsible and transparent manner.”
“Despite the significant expansion of gambling within our great state, our current Executive Director Milton Champion has actively demonstrated an eagerness to deregulate casinos in Maine without input from the voting public and with little-to-no guidance to our casino partners on how to conduct business while remaining compliant with gambling rules and statutes,” the inspectors wrote.
Champion has had a difficult last year, as he was placed on temporary leave from the gambling control unit for inappropriate social media posts.
Rob covers all regulatory developments in online gambling. He specializes in US sports betting news along with casino regulation news as one of the most trusted sources in the country.
Caesars Sportsbook, one of the leading sports betting operators in the United States, recently made history by accepting the first in-person sports bet in the state of Maine. This milestone moment marks the beginning of a new era for sports betting enthusiasts in the Pine Tree State.
The historic bet was placed at the Caesars Sportsbook at Bangor Raceway, located in Bangor, Maine. The lucky bettor wagered on a baseball game, signaling the official launch of sports betting at the venue. This momentous occasion comes after the state of Maine legalized sports betting in 2019, paving the way for operators like Caesars to enter the market.
Caesars Sportsbook is known for its user-friendly interface, competitive odds, and wide range of betting options. With the launch of its sportsbook in Maine, residents and visitors alike can now enjoy a premium sports betting experience at a trusted and reputable operator.
In addition to offering traditional sports betting options, Caesars Sportsbook also provides live betting, which allows bettors to place wagers on games and events as they unfold in real-time. This feature adds an extra layer of excitement and engagement for sports fans looking to take their betting experience to the next level.
The acceptance of the first in-person sports bet in Maine by Caesars Sportsbook represents a significant milestone for the state’s growing sports betting industry. With more operators expected to enter the market in the coming months, Maine residents can look forward to a diverse range of options when it comes to placing bets on their favorite sports.
As sports betting continues to gain popularity across the country, Caesars Sportsbook is poised to become a major player in the industry. With its reputation for excellence and commitment to providing a top-notch betting experience, Caesars Sportsbook is well-positioned to attract a loyal following of sports enthusiasts in Maine and beyond.
Overall, the acceptance of the first in-person sports bet in Maine by Caesars Sportsbook is a significant moment for both the operator and the state’s sports betting industry. As more bettors flock to Caesars Sportsbook to place their wagers, it’s clear that the future of sports betting in Maine is bright and full of exciting possibilities.
