Maine Targeting Online Sportsbook Launch Between Nov. 5-15

Online sports betting in Maine officially has a launch window as regulators market an early November launch. Between Nov. 5 and Nov. 15, the launch of online sports betting will commence. This coincides with the earlier target to launch Maine sportsbooks in November.

Online Sportsbooks Just Weeks Away In Maine

The proposed sports betting regulations from the Maine Gambling Control Unit are on the attorney general’s desk. Once the AG signs off on the regulations and the secretary of state grants final approval, the market will be allowed to launch.

During the regulatory face, the unit received 581 comments from operators. There has been pushback from some of the biggest sports betting businesses in the country over Maine’s regulatory requirements. One major issue is the up to 40% adjusted gross revenue sharing to local tribes.

So far, Caesars Sportsbook is the only operator to have partnered with a local tribe. Caesars partnered with the Maliseets, Mi’kmaqs, and Penobscots tribes in order to gain market access. So far, Caesars is the only confirmed operator that would launch in November.

Advertising Rules Could Have Affect On Operators

Maine’s regulations are also pushing some of the strictest sportsbook advertising rules in the market. Operators will be prohibited from advertising outside of their own platforms. No ads will be allowed on college campuses, and no TV advertising is allowed outside of during live events on the broadcast channel.

This could affect national advertising for sportsbooks, but it is currently unknown how much of an effect it will have. The Gambling Control Unit is also aiming to propose a ban on the use of celebrities and athletes in advertisements. Ontario recently passed regulations to ban celebrity sponsors earlier in the year.

It is likely that, along with the high revenue sharing, the strict gambling advertising rules have worked as a deterrent for other operators. However, Maine Gambling Control Unit Director Milton F. Champion was optimistic about the likes of DraftKings and FanDuel entering Maine when he spoke with TheLines.com back in July.

If Caesars Sportsbook’s launch is a success, then other operators are likely to work with local tribes to enter Maine.