A well-established Maine sports betting app now has an in-person wagering option as well. Caesars Sportsbook confirmed the arrival of retail Maine sports betting at Oddfellahs along Market Street in Portland, ME.
A Friday, Sept. 13, celebration opened Maine’s first in-person sports betting venue. Portland Mayor Mark Dion placed a ceremonial first bet.
Representatives from financing partner First Tracks Investments, the Portland City Council, the Maine Gambling Control Unit, and Caesars Sportsbook were on hand.
“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,” Eric Hession said.
“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,” the Caesars Digital President added.
“With the first in-person sportsbook now operational, we look forward to collaborating with First Tracks on additional in-person opportunities in Maine.”
The Pine Tree State can issue up to 10 licenses for in-person sports betting locations.
Oddfellahs offers full food and drink services to go with “a Vegas-style sportsbook with 36 screens to catch sporting events at any time of the year,” including the NFL season.
Guests will find self-service betting kiosks and an on-site ticket window. The on-site option allows mobile sports betting customers to make cash deposits and withdrawals as well.
Bettors Prefer Online Sports Betting
Portland-area residents may visit Oddfellahs for some food and fellowship, but more than 90% of sports betting dollars change hands online. Maine legalized online sports bets in November 2023.
Caesars and DraftKings are the only two licensed online operators in the sparsely-populated state.
Through nine Maine Gambling Control Unit reporting months, the Maine sportsbooks reported about $397.7 million in wagers from customers.
Last year’s late debut means Maine missed part of the NFL and college football seasons in 2023. Look for year-over-year numbers to soar in the fall of 2024.
The industry’s high month came in March 2024, with $47,556,948 in bets placed. December 2023 was a close second with $44,641,196 million in bets.
For the most recent month — August 2024 — Caesars and DraftKings accepted about $35.6 million in bets.
Caesars Group Hopes Retail Maine Sports Betting Grows Market Share
DraftKings controls about 83.1% of the Maine market through its partnership with the Passamaquoddy Tribe. Caesars and the Wabanaki Nations hold about 16.9% of the market share.
First Tracks Investments CEO Michael Cianchette hopes venues like Oddfellahs can cut into DK’s market advantage.
“Building something new is always a challenge, but great teams make great things possible,” he said in Friday’s announcement. “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.”
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