LD 585 — The Sports Wagering Act
LD 585, formally titled An Act To Ensure Proper Oversight of Sports Wagering in the State, is the law that legalized sports betting in Maine. Signed by Governor Janet Mills on May 2, 2022, the bill paired sports wagering legalization with a broader package of tribal sovereignty reforms.
Key Provisions
Background
The 1980 Maine Indian Land Claims Settlement Act limited the Wabanaki Nations’ ability to operate gaming under the federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, leaving Maine’s tribes at an economic disadvantage relative to tribes in other states. LD 585 addressed that imbalance by reserving online sports betting licenses exclusively for the four federally recognized Wabanaki Nations — the Penobscot, Passamaquoddy, Houlton Band of Maliseet, and Aroostook Band of Micmacs.
An earlier 2019 bill that did not include tribal exclusivity was passed by the legislature but vetoed by Governor Mills. LD 585’s tribal-first structure was the political compromise that enabled passage three years later.
Timeline
- Jun 2019Maine legislature passes an early sports betting bill; Governor Janet Mills vetoes it.
- May 2, 2022Governor Mills signs LD 585 into law.
- Aug 2022LD 585 takes effect after the 90-day waiting period.
- Oct 2023Caesars and DraftKings receive operational approval through tribal agreements.
- Nov 3, 2023Online and retail sports betting officially launch at 9:00 AM.
- Sep 16, 2024Oddfellahs opens in Portland as Maine’s first permanent retail sportsbook.
What LD 585 Does Not Allow
- Online or in-person wagering by anyone under 21
- Player-prop bets on Maine college teams or athletes
- Wagering on any high school, youth, or amateur athletic event
- Online operation by sportsbooks without a tribal partner
For broader regulatory context, see the Maine Gambling Control Unit page. To understand how tribal partnerships were assigned, visit The Wabanaki Nations.
21+. Must be physically located in Maine. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.