INSIDECASINO.USWhat does Maine law say about online casinos?
LD 1164 became law without the governor's signature, though reports differ on the exact January date. The Gambling Control Unit published its third draft of the rules on September 30, 2026. Churchill Downs has sued over the tribal-only framework, and we did not find a resolution.
Who regulates gambling in Maine?
The Maine Gambling Control Unit will license and regulate online casinos once its rules are final. Its executive director is Milton Champion.
How do I check if a Maine online casino is licensed?
- No online casino is licensed in Maine yet.
- Watch the Maine Gambling Control Unit site for the first licensed operators.
- Until then, treat any real-money site as unlicensed in Maine. Do not deposit.
Are offshore casinos legal in Maine?
Offshore casinos hold no Maine license, so no Maine agency checks their games, payouts or complaints.
Are sweepstakes casinos legal in Maine?
No. Maine banned dual-currency sweepstakes games through LD 2007, signed on April 6, 2026 and in effect from July 2026. Operating, promoting or supporting these games is unlawful, with fines of $10,000 to $100,000.
Are there land-based casinos in Maine?
Yes. Oxford Casino Hotel, owned by Churchill Downs, is one of them. This check did not cover the state's other venues.
What are the rules in another state?
Each state sets its own online casino rules. Pick a state to see its status, its regulator and the date we last checked it.
Read next: How sweepstakes casinos work, and where they are banned
Sources
At least one fact on this page comes from an official source or a law firm analysis. Other facts rely on the reporting listed here. How we research.
- Gambling.com: Maine regulator points to early 2027
- WGBH: Maine tribal nations and online gambling
- InfoLawGroup: sweepstakes casino laws in 2026
- Maine Gambling Control Unit