Online Poker in Maine

Maine, known for its stunning coastlines and vibrant maritime culture, has a unique relationship with poker. While traditional live poker thrives in the state’s casinos, online poker remains in a gray area.

Status	Online Poker is Illegal
Start Date	N/A
Legal Poker Rooms	None
Shared Liquidity	N/A
Legal Sweepstakes Poker	Stake.US, Clubs Poker, ClubWPT, GlobalPoker
Minimum Age	21 years and older
Regulator	Maine Gambling Control Unit
State Tax	5% on winnings exceeding $5,000

Status of Online Poker in Maine

Maine’s gambling laws are comprehensive but haven’t caught up with the digital age. According to the Maine Gambling & Poker Laws Summarized, gambling is defined as the intentional conducting or assisting in the conducting, as a business, of any game, contest, lottery, or contrivance whereby a person risks the loss of anything of value to realize a profit (State Code Section 952(4)). This broad definition encompasses online poker, where the shuffle of a virtual deck qualifies as an element of chance under Section 952(C).

Efforts to regulate online poker in Maine have been ongoing but met with hurdles. In 2018, a bill was introduced to address the legalization of online poker and casino games. The proposal aimed to allow each parish in the state to vote on legalizing online gaming. However, the bill did not pass and, as of the latest updates, there have been no significant legislative movements to change this status. The focus has shifted towards other forms of gambling, such as sports betting, which has seen more recent legislative activity.

Maine remains a state to watch in the realm of online gambling. With national momentum leaning towards the legalization and regulation of online gambling, Maine is well-positioned to follow suit. The state hasn’t been significantly impacted by the budget constraints facing other U.S. states, and there appears to be little built-in opposition to expanding online gambling. If online gambling continues to gain acceptance nationally, Maine is likely to ride that trend, potentially bringing online poker under regulated frameworks in the near future.

Maine’s modern gambling industry has evolved over decades, transitioning from lotteries and raffles to include casinos in the early 2000s. While live poker enjoys a regulated and thriving presence in casinos like Hollywood Casino Bangor and Oxford Casino Hotel, online poker remains unregulated. Players must rely on international sites, which, while accessible, require careful selection to ensure a safe and fair gaming experience.

Sweepstakes Poker in Maine

Sweepstakes poker provides an alternative for Maine residents to enjoy poker online. Unlike traditional online poker, sweepstakes poker operates on a different legal framework, allowing players to participate without violating state laws.

Stake.us

Stake.US is one of the prominent sweepstakes poker platforms available to Maine players. It offers a user-friendly interface, a variety of game types, and regular promotions to keep the gameplay exciting.

Clubs Poker

Clubs Poker brings a community-driven approach to online poker. Players can join clubs, participate in exclusive events, and enjoy a personalized gaming experience.

GlobalPoker

GlobalPoker stands out with its extensive range of tournaments and cash games. The platform emphasizes fairness and security, making it a favorite among Maine’s poker enthusiasts.

clubWPT

Affiliated with the World Poker Tour, clubWPT offers a premium poker experience with access to WPT-branded tournaments and events, attracting both casual players and serious competitors.

The Scoop on Regulations and History

Poker has been a part of Maine’s cultural fabric for decades. The state’s gambling history began with lotteries in 1973 and expanded to include casinos in the early 2000s. The introduction of the Oxford Casino Hotel in 2012 marked Maine’s entry into commercial casinos, providing a regulated environment for live poker games.

Maine’s gambling activities initially focused on lotteries and raffle-style games. Over the years, the state saw gradual expansion into more diverse gambling options. In 2004, Maine voters approved a proposal to permit slot machines at racetracks, leading to the establishment of racinos—race tracks with integrated casino games.

By 2012, Maine had entered the commercial casino market with the opening of the Oxford Casino Hotel. This expansion allowed for a broader range of gambling activities, including live poker rooms offering cash games and tournaments. The growth of casinos provided a regulated environment for poker enthusiasts, but online poker lagged behind due to the absence of specific legislation.

In 2018, Maine made a significant push to legalize online poker and casino games through proposed legislation. The bill aimed to democratize online gambling by allowing each parish to vote on the issue. Despite the initial momentum, the bill did not pass, and discussions have since shifted towards other forms of gambling, particularly sports betting. The stagnation of online poker legislation has left the state without a clear regulatory pathway, maintaining the status quo where online poker remains unregulated.

While online poker remains unregulated, Maine has shown interest in expanding other gambling avenues. Sports betting, for instance, has seen legislative proposals following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn PASPA. If sports betting becomes legalized and regulated, it may pave the way for future discussions on online poker regulation.

Looking ahead, Maine’s approach to online poker will likely mirror national trends. As online gambling becomes more mainstream and other states successfully implement regulations, Maine may revisit its stance. The state’s relatively open attitude towards gambling expansion suggests that online poker could become a regulated and legal option in the future, provided there is sufficient legislative support and public demand.

Taxes

Winning big in poker comes with responsibilities. In Maine, any gambling winnings exceeding $5,000 are subject to a 5% withholding tax.

Help If You Need It

Maine is committed to addressing problem gambling through various support systems. The 211 Maine Problem Gambling Helpline offers assistance to those in need. Whether you’re seeking help or know someone struggling, support is just a call away. Additionally, the state offers self-exclusion programs for casino gambling and sports wagering, allowing individuals to voluntarily opt-out of these activities for specified periods.

Live Poker in the Maine

When you think about poker in Maine, forget the online hustle for a bit and step into the vibrant world of live poker. Despite some online poker headaches, Maine’s casinos are buzzing with action, especially at Hollywood Casino Bangor and Oxford Casino Hotel. These spots aren’t just places to play cards—they’re lively hubs where you can jump into a game, join a tournament, or just soak up the energetic atmosphere. Let’s dive into what makes these casinos the go-to spots for poker enthusiasts in the Pine Tree State.

Hollywood Casino Bangor

Imagine walking into Hollywood Casino Bangor, right on 500 Main Street in Bangor. This place is a top-tier gaming destination, even without the online poker option. Their live poker room is where the magic happens. Open Thursday and Friday from 2:00 PM to 11:30 PM, and on weekends from noon to 11:30 PM, it’s the perfect spot whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been playing for years. You can jump into classics like Texas Hold’em, Mississippi Stud, or Three Card Poker. The energy? Electric. I remember my first tournament night there—it was like being part of a high-stakes movie scene, with every hand dealt adding to the excitement. Plus, they’ve got regular cash games that keep the tables busy and the conversations flowing. Need more details? Just give them a ring at 1-877-779-7771. Trust me, it’s worth the call!

Oxford Casino Hotel

Now, let’s head over to Oxford Casino Hotel at 900 Houlton Road in Oxford. This place is a poker paradise with nearly 1,000 slot machines and over 20 table games—talk about variety! Their poker offerings include Ultimate Texas Hold’em, Three Card Poker, and Mississippi Stud, catering to every type of player. What sets Oxford apart is their commitment to a clean and safe gaming environment. They’ve got strict rules on electronic device usage, making sure every game is fair and square. It’s like they’ve built a sanctuary for poker lovers who want to focus on the game without any distractions. The atmosphere here is always buzzing, whether you’re in the middle of a high-stakes hand or cheering someone on during a big win. Plus, the staff is super friendly and always ready to help out, making your experience smooth and enjoyable.

Notable Players from the State

Spencer Champlin

Spencer Champlin from Scarborough has really made a name for himself in the poker world. With live earnings topping $3.1 million, Spencer has clinched two WSOP Circuit rings and has 140 cashes to his name. His big break came at the 2024 Poker Masters Event #1, where he snagged his first PGT title. Spencer’s story is pretty inspiring—he went from a regular desk job to becoming a professional poker player. In one standout year, he turned a $560 satellite entry into a $160,475 prize, showing off his strategic skills and resilience.

Matt Woodward

Originally from Waterboro and now living it up in Las Vegas, Matt Woodward is another prominent poker player from Maine. With over $2.6 million in live earnings, Matt is best known for his runner-up finish at the 2009 EPT Monte Carlo Grand Final, where he showcased his skills on an international stage.

Leonard Cortellino

Leonard Cortellino from Lewiston has built a respectable name in the poker scene with live earnings of $1.58 million. Leonard consistently performs well in different tournaments, making him one of Maine’s top poker talents.

FAQ

Is online poker legal in Maine?

No, Maine does not currently regulate online poker. Players must use offshore platforms to engage in online poker activities.

What are the age requirements for playing poker in Maine?

Players must be at least 21 years old to participate in online and offline poker games in Maine.

How are gambling winnings taxed in Maine?

Winnings exceeding $5,000 are subject to a 5% withholding tax.

Are there any legal online poker rooms based in Maine?

No, there are currently no US-based legal online poker rooms operating within Maine.

What support is available for problem gambling in Maine?

Maine offers the 211 Problem Gambling Helpline, self-exclusion programs, and access to the Gambling Addiction Treatment Network for counseling and support.

Can I play sweepstakes poker in Maine?

Yes, sweepstakes poker platforms like Stake.US, GlobalPoker, Clubs Poker, and clubWPT operate in Maine, providing legal alternatives to traditional online poker.

What offline options are available for poker in Maine?

Maine residents can enjoy live poker at casinos such as Hollywood Casino Bangor and Oxford Casino Hotel, which offer a variety of games and tournaments.

How can I ensure the safety of my funds when playing online poker?

Choose reputable offshore platforms that are licensed by recognized authorities, use secure encryption, and have transparent policies to protect your information and funds.

Are there any plans to legalize online poker in Maine?

While there have been discussions and legislative attempts, there are currently no active legislative efforts to legalize and regulate online poker in Maine.