Online casinos in Maine are legal on paper but not yet available: LD 1164 became law on January 11, 2026, letting only the Wabanaki Nations run internet casinos, yet no site had launched by October 2026 and a lawsuit is pending. Until then, the state's Gambling Control Unit says only its own licensees may offer online gambling to Maine residents.
Published terms (reported): Third-party reviews disagree on the package (200% up to $4,000, or 250% up to $2,500 + 35 spins); the casino site could not be checked directly. Eligible games: Slots and specialty games (reported).
Who runs it: License not shown; third parties report Costa Rica or none. Regulator notes: Third parties report it does not accept Ohio players.
21+ (18+ where allowed). New players. Min deposit $30 (reported). Wagering 30x deposit + bonus on slots (reported). Max cashout: 10x deposit (reported). Withdrawal cap $2,500 / week (reported). Terms source: reported. Terms apply. Offer checked October 28, 2026.
Published terms (reported): Third-party reviews report a 275% match up to $2,750 with code MAD275; the casino site could not be checked directly. Eligible games: Slots and keno (reported).
Who runs it: License not shown; third parties report Anjouan, Costa Rica or none. Regulator notes: Named in a Michigan Gaming Control Board cease-and-desist release, August 14, 2025.
21+ (18+ where allowed). New players. Min deposit $30 (reported). Wagering 30x deposit + bonus (reported). Max cashout: None (reported). Withdrawal cap $2,500 / week (reported). Terms source: reported. Terms apply. Offer checked October 28, 2026.
Published terms (casino terms): SlotoCash advertises up to $7,777 + 300 spins over five deposits on its own site. Eligible games: Slots, keno and scratch cards (progressive jackpots excluded).
Who runs it: License not shown on its site; reported as a Deckmedia N.V. brand (Curaçao). Regulator notes: Named in a Michigan Gaming Control Board cease-and-desist release, October 8, 2026.
21+ (18+ where allowed). New players. Min deposit $20 per bonus. Wagering 25x deposit + bonus. Max cashout: None stated. Withdrawal cap $5,000 / week. Terms source: casino terms. Terms apply. Offer checked October 28, 2026.
Read before you play: These casinos are offshore operators. They are not licensed or regulated by any US state, and state consumer protections do not apply. Check the law in your state before you play. Terms marked “reported” come from third-party reviews because the casino’s own terms could not be checked; the terms shown at sign-up apply. Gambling problem? Call or text 1-800-MY-RESET.
Are online casinos legal in Maine yet?
Yes in law, no in practice. Maine authorized real-money online casinos when LD 1164 became law without the Governor's signature on January 11, 2026. But as of October 2026, no Maine-licensed online casino had launched, so there is no state-regulated site you can sign up to today.
The law is unusual because it is tribal-exclusive. Only federally recognized Maine tribes can apply for an internet gaming operator license, and the state's existing commercial casinos are left out. That choice is the reason a lawsuit is now pending, and it's also why Maine reads differently from the seven states with live markets on our list of states with legal online casinos.
LD 1164: how Maine's tribal online casino law works
The bill's full title is 'An Act to Create Economic Opportunity for the Wabanaki Nations Through Internet Gaming'. It is codified as chapter 39 of Title 8 of the Maine Revised Statutes, and the Gambling Control Unit's bill tracker (opens in a new tab) records its passage.
The Gambling Control Unit has published proposed Chapter 70 iGaming rules (opens in a new tab), now in a third publication dated September 30, 2026. They set the online casino age at 21 and the operator license fee at $50,000, but list the effective date as 'TBA'. Until those rules take effect, no license can go live.
LD 1164 at a glance
Element
What the record shows
Source type
Became law
January 11, 2026, without the Governor's signature
State bill tracker
Codified
8 M.R.S. chapter 39
State rules
Who can operate
Federally recognized Maine tribes only
State rules
Operator license fee
$50,000
State rules
Player age
21
State rules
Licensed operators so far
None published
State rules
Reported partners
Caesars (Passamaquoddy), DraftKings (Penobscot), FanDuel (Houlton Band of Maliseet)
Third-party report
Expected launch
2027 or later, as reported
Third-party report
Third-party coverage says four Wabanaki Nations stand to benefit and that Churchill Downs, owner of Oxford Casino, has sued over the exclusive arrangement. Those points are reported rather than confirmed by the state, so treat the partner names and the launch estimate as provisional. Background on tribal rights is in our tribal gaming explainer.
Maine online gambling timeline
Maine's online gambling rules changed fast in 2026. Here are the dates that matter for players.
Key dates in Maine online gambling
Date
What happened
January 11, 2026
LD 1164, the Wabanaki internet gaming act, became law
April 6, 2026
LD 2007, the online sweepstakes prohibition, passed
July 2026
Sweepstakes ban took effect; the regulator warned about unlicensed sites
September 30, 2026
Third publication of the proposed Chapter 70 iGaming rules
October 2026
No licensed online casino live; lawsuit pending
2027 or later
Launch expected, according to third-party reports
Sources give two effective dates for the sweepstakes ban, July 14 and July 29, 2026. Both fall in July 2026, which is how we date it here.
What Maine's regulator says about offshore online casinos
The release adds that unlicensed operators are generally out-of-state or offshore, that 'Patrons who choose to engage with unlicensed platforms do so at their own risk', and that the unit 'CAN NOT provide assistance' in disputes with illegal sites. That last point is the practical one: if an offshore casino holds your withdrawal, Maine's regulator won't step in.
Chapter 33 covers licensed fantasy contests.
Chapter 35 covers licensed sports wagering.
Chapter 38 is the online sweepstakes prohibition.
Chapter 39 covers tribal internet gaming under LD 1164.
You can reach the unit at gambling.control@maine.gov or 207-626-3900. For how offshore sites fit into federal law, read our explainer on offshore casinos legality.
Sweepstakes casinos in Maine: the LD 2007 ban
Maine banned online sweepstakes casinos in 2026. LD 2007, 'An Act Regarding the Prohibition of Online Sweepstakes Games', passed on April 6, 2026, created chapter 38 of Title 8 and took effect in July 2026. The definition of an online sweepstakes game sits at 8 M.R.S. §1351(6).
Penalties are civil fines of $10,000 to $100,000, paid into the state's Gambling Addiction Prevention and Treatment Fund. A company that holds a Maine gambling license and breaks the ban can lose that license, a strong deterrent for sportsbook and fantasy brands that also run sweepstakes products elsewhere.
Sports betting is legal statewide in Maine and licensed under 8 M.R.S. chapter 35. The AGA's 2026 survey lists a 10% tax on sports betting revenue. Daily fantasy contests are legal for operators licensed under chapter 33.
This is the online gambling Maine residents can use today with state oversight. Licensed sportsbooks can't offer casino games, though, and that stays true until the tribal iGaming rules take effect. More on apps and rules is on our Maine sports betting page.
Maine's land-based casinos
Maine has two commercial casinos, according to the AGA. Oxford Casino, owned by Churchill Downs, is one of them and is reportedly a party to the lawsuit over LD 1164. Tribal casino counts aren't published in the AGA's survey, so we don't give one.
Visiting a commercial casino in person remains the only way to play real-money casino games under Maine regulation right now. The casino age is 21.
Real money online casinos in Maine: the offshore option and its risks
Maine has no city above 100,000 people, but players across the state, from Portland to Bangor, see the same ads for offshore casinos. These sites are licensed (if at all) outside the US, by bodies such as Curaçao, Anjouan or Costa Rica, and none is licensed by Maine. Our real money online casinos Maine page compares them in more depth.
Pros
Real-money casino games now, before Maine's tribal market opens
Crypto banking and low minimum deposits at many sites
Large match bonuses, subject to wagering and caps
Cons
Not licensed in Maine; the regulator says it can't help in disputes
Weekly withdrawal caps and slow payouts reported by reviewers
Terms are set by the casino and can change
Some partner brands have been named in other states' cease-and-desist releases
Bonuses and no deposit offers
Offshore bonuses carry wagering. SlotoCash's own welcome terms set 25x (deposit + bonus): a $50 deposit with a 200% match makes $150 to play through 25 times, or $3,750 in bets. If you assume a 4% house edge for illustration, the expected cost of that wagering is $3,750 × 4% = $150. See Maine online casino bonuses and no deposit casino bonuses in Maine.
Crypto, mobile and payout speed
Crypto deposits are common because US banks often decline gambling card charges under MCC 7995, and crypto payments generally can't be reversed. Our crypto casinos in Maine page and how to deposit with Bitcoin guide cover the steps and risks.
The minimum age is 21 for Maine's casinos and for the future tribal online casinos under the proposed rules. Ages for sports betting and the lottery aren't covered here, so confirm them with the operator or the state lottery.
Winnings are federal taxable income wherever you win them. For payments in 2026, the IRS W-2G instructions (opens in a new tab) set a $2,000 reporting threshold for slots, bingo and keno, and 24% regular withholding applies to certain other wins above $5,000. Offshore sites may not issue a W-2G, and the winnings are reportable either way, so keep your own records.
Ages and tax points for Maine (2026)
Item
Rule
Casino age
21
Online casino age (proposed rules)
21
W-2G threshold for slots, bingo, keno
$2,000 or more for payments in 2026
Loss deduction
Reportedly capped at 90% of losses from tax year 2026, up to winnings; check IRS guidance
Maine state income tax on winnings
Not covered here; ask a tax professional
Steps to take before playing at any online casino from Maine
Check whether the site holds a Maine license under Title 8 chapter 33, 35 or 39. Until tribal iGaming launches, no casino site does.
If the site is offshore, accept that Maine's Gambling Control Unit has said it can't help with disputes.
Look for the operator and license in the site's terms, and search the name in regulator cease-and-desist releases.
Read the banking page for weekly caps, withdrawal minimums, fees and processing days.
Read bonus terms for wagering, max cashout, max bet and game exclusions, or decline the bonus.
Set deposit and time limits before your first deposit, and record every transaction for tax purposes.
Treat gambling as paid entertainment: the house edge means you should expect to lose over time. If it's costing more than you planned, or you're chasing losses, help is free.
Maine 211: dial 211 for local services and referrals.
Gamblers Anonymous: in-person and online meetings.
Blocking software such as Gamban or BetBlocker.
In a crisis, call or text 988.
Maine's sweepstakes fines go into the Gambling Addiction Prevention and Treatment Fund. Our responsible gambling section has more tools and treatment options.
Offshore online casinos Maine players see, with offers via our links
Maine's tribal online casinos aren't live, so there is no state-licensed site to recommend. The casinos below are offshore partners that pay us commission and that we rank in a commercial order. None is licensed by Maine or any US state, Maine's regulator says only its licensees may offer online gambling to residents, and you should check Maine law before you join. Offers are for new players, 21+ (18+ where allowed), and terms apply.
Royal Ace Casino: $2,500 Welcome Bonus + 35 Free Spins, via our link (new players, 21+ or 18+ where allowed, terms apply). Third-party reviews disagree on its package, with one listing 250% up to $2,500 plus 35 spins and another 200% up to $4,000 at 30x (deposit + bonus) on slots, a max cashout of 10x the deposit and a $30 card minimum. Reviewers report a $2,500 weekly withdrawal cap and long pending times. See the Royal Ace review.
Slot Madness Casino: $2,500 Welcome Bonus + 50 Free Spins, via our link (new players, 21+ or 18+ where allowed, terms apply). Third-party reviews list a 275% match at 30x (deposit + bonus) on slots, a $30 minimum and no max cashout, with the cap given as $2,750 by one and unlimited by another. Reported withdrawal caps are $2,500 a week and $5,000 a month. Michigan's regulator named it on August 14, 2025. Read the Slot Madness review.
SlotoCash Casino: $6,000 Welcome Bonus + 60 Free Spins, via our link (new players, 21+ or 18+ where allowed, terms apply). The casino's own site shows a different package, $7,777 plus 300 spins across five deposits, at 25x (deposit + bonus) with a $20 minimum per bonus, no max cashout and a $10 max bet on slots, keno and scratch cards. Its terms cap withdrawals at $5,000 a week. Michigan named SlotoCash on October 8, 2026. See the SlotoCash review.
These offers are built for slots. Table games are often excluded or weighted lower, and the terms shown at sign-up are the ones that apply.
Ad21+ (18+ where allowed). Ranked by us in a commercial order; we earn commission from these links. Advertiser disclosure
These casinos are offshore and are not licensed by Maine or any US state. Maine's regulator says only its licensees may offer online gambling to residents, so check state law first. 21+, terms apply.
Royal Ace Casino#6 on our listSlots and specialty games
Published terms (reported): Third-party reviews disagree on the package (200% up to $4,000, or 250% up to $2,500 + 35 spins); the casino site could not be checked directly. Eligible games: Slots and specialty games (reported).
Who runs it: License not shown; third parties report Costa Rica or none. Regulator notes: Third parties report it does not accept Ohio players.
21+ (18+ where allowed). New players. Min deposit $30 (reported). Wagering 30x deposit + bonus on slots (reported). Max cashout: 10x deposit (reported). Withdrawal cap $2,500 / week (reported). Terms source: reported. Terms apply. Offer checked October 28, 2026.
Published terms (reported): Third-party reviews report a 275% match up to $2,750 with code MAD275; the casino site could not be checked directly. Eligible games: Slots and keno (reported).
Who runs it: License not shown; third parties report Anjouan, Costa Rica or none. Regulator notes: Named in a Michigan Gaming Control Board cease-and-desist release, August 14, 2025.
21+ (18+ where allowed). New players. Min deposit $30 (reported). Wagering 30x deposit + bonus (reported). Max cashout: None (reported). Withdrawal cap $2,500 / week (reported). Terms source: reported. Terms apply. Offer checked October 28, 2026.
SlotoCash Casino#1 on our listBiggest bonus on our list
Published terms (casino terms): SlotoCash advertises up to $7,777 + 300 spins over five deposits on its own site. Eligible games: Slots, keno and scratch cards (progressive jackpots excluded).
Who runs it: License not shown on its site; reported as a Deckmedia N.V. brand (Curaçao). Regulator notes: Named in a Michigan Gaming Control Board cease-and-desist release, October 8, 2026.
21+ (18+ where allowed). New players. Min deposit $20 per bonus. Wagering 25x deposit + bonus. Max cashout: None stated. Withdrawal cap $5,000 / week. Terms source: casino terms. Terms apply. Offer checked October 28, 2026.
These casinos are offshore operators. They are not licensed or regulated by any US state, and state consumer protections do not apply. Check the law in your state before you play. Terms marked “reported” come from third-party reviews; the terms shown at sign-up apply.
21+ (18+ where allowed). Every casino game has a built-in house edge, so over time you should expect to lose what you stake. Set a budget before you play and stop when it’s gone: responsible gambling tools and free help. Gambling problem? Call or text 1-800-MY-RESET (1-800-697-3738).
Frequently asked questions
Are online casinos legal in Maine?
Yes, but none is live yet. LD 1164 became law on January 11, 2026 and lets federally recognized Maine tribes run online casinos under 8 M.R.S. chapter 39. As of October 2026, the Chapter 70 rules had no effective date, no operator had launched and a lawsuit was pending. Third-party reports expect a launch in 2027 or later. Our Maine gambling laws page tracks the rules.
Is there a launch date for Maine's tribal online casinos?
No launch date has been set. The Gambling Control Unit's proposed Chapter 70 iGaming rules, in a third publication dated September 30, 2026, list the effective date as 'TBA', and licenses can't go live before the rules take effect. Third-party coverage expects a launch in 2027 or later, partly because of a pending lawsuit by Churchill Downs. For states already live, see which states allow online casinos.
Who can run an online casino in Maine?
Only federally recognized Maine tribes can hold an internet gaming operator license under LD 1164, with a $50,000 license fee under the proposed rules. Commercial casinos such as Oxford Casino aren't eligible, which is behind the reported lawsuit. Third-party reports name Caesars, DraftKings and FanDuel as tribal partners, but the state hasn't published any licensed operators. Our tribal gaming guide explains the federal framework behind tribal rights.
Does Maine's regulator allow offshore casinos to serve residents?
Maine's regulator says only entities licensed under Title 8 chapters 33, 35 and 39 may offer online gambling to Maine residents, and offshore casinos hold no such license. Its July 2026 release says players who use unlicensed platforms do so at their own risk and that it can't help in disputes. We can't say how the law applies to you personally. Read can I get in trouble for playing online casinos.
Can Mainers still play sweepstakes casinos after LD 2007?
No, online sweepstakes casinos are banned in Maine from July 2026 under LD 2007, which passed on April 6, 2026 and created 8 M.R.S. chapter 38. Violations carry civil fines of $10,000 to $100,000, paid into the Gambling Addiction Prevention and Treatment Fund, and Maine licensees who break the ban can lose their licenses. Sources differ on the exact July date. See Maine sweepstakes casinos.
Can you bet on sports online anywhere in Maine?
Yes, sports betting is legal statewide in Maine and licensed under 8 M.R.S. chapter 35, with a 10% tax listed by the AGA. Licensed sportsbooks can take bets online, but they can't offer casino games until the tribal iGaming rules take effect. Daily fantasy contests are also legal for operators licensed under chapter 33. More detail is on our Maine sports betting page.
How old do you have to be to gamble at a Maine casino?
The gambling age is 21 at Maine's casinos, and the proposed Chapter 70 rules also set 21 as the age for the future tribal online casinos. Ages for the lottery and sports betting aren't covered here, so check with the operator. Offshore casinos set their own minimum ages, and some say 18+, but that doesn't change Maine law. Compare every state in our gambling age by state table.
Do Maine players pay tax on casino winnings?
Yes, gambling winnings are taxable federal income, including winnings from offshore casinos that never send a form. The IRS's 2026 W-2G threshold for slots, bingo and keno is $2,000, but all winnings are reportable. From tax year 2026, losses are reportedly deductible only up to 90% and only against winnings; check IRS guidance. Our gambling loss deduction page explains the change.
Where can I get help for a gambling problem in Maine?
Call or text the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-MY-RESET (1-800-697-3738), which is free, confidential and open 24/7, or dial 211 to reach Maine 211 for local referrals. Gamblers Anonymous holds in-person and online meetings, and apps such as Gamban and BetBlocker block gambling sites. In a crisis, call or text 988. Our help and support page lists more options.
Which companies are expected to run Maine's online casinos?
No licensed operator has been published yet, but third-party reports name three partners: Caesars with the Passamaquoddy, DraftKings with the Penobscot and FanDuel with the Houlton Band of Maliseet. Under LD 1164, only federally recognized Maine tribes can hold an internet gaming operator license, at a $50,000 fee under the proposed Chapter 70 rules, so any commercial brand would work through a tribe. Treat the partner names as provisional until the Gambling Control Unit issues licenses. Our Maine gambling laws page tracks the rules, and tribal gaming explains why tribes hold these rights.
Why is Churchill Downs suing over Maine's online casino law?
Third-party coverage reports that Churchill Downs, which owns Oxford Casino, sued over LD 1164 because the law gives online casino rights only to Maine's tribes. Maine's two commercial casinos are left out of the internet gaming market under 8 M.R.S. chapter 39, which the challenge reportedly targets. The state hasn't confirmed the details we cite, and the case was still pending in October 2026, alongside proposed rules with a 'TBA' effective date. Reports point to a launch in 2027 or later. Follow the status on our states with legal online casinos list and our Native American casinos guide.
How do I contact the Maine Gambling Control Unit?
Email gambling.control@maine.gov or call 207-626-3900. The unit, part of the Department of Public Safety, licenses fantasy contests, sports wagering and, once its rules take effect, tribal internet gaming under Title 8 chapters 33, 35 and 39. It's the place to ask whether a site holds a Maine license. Its July 2026 release says it can't provide assistance in disputes with illegal sites, so it won't recover money from an offshore casino. For those, see our guides on filing a casino complaint and state gambling regulators.
What does a SlotoCash welcome bonus cost to clear for Maine players?
On average, more than the bonus is worth. SlotoCash's own terms set 25x wagering on deposit plus bonus, so a $50 deposit with a 200% match gives $150 to play through 25 times: $3,750 in bets. At an illustrative 4% house edge, the expected cost is $3,750 × 4% = $150, which is $50 more than the $100 bonus. The terms also limit bets to $10 while the bonus is active and allow only slots, keno and scratch cards. SlotoCash is offshore and not licensed by Maine. See Maine online casino bonuses and how to clear a casino bonus.
How long do Slot Madness withdrawals take for Maine players?
Expect a week or more: third-party reviews report a 7 to 10 day pending period at Slot Madness and no weekend cashouts. Reviewers list a $20 minimum withdrawal and caps of $2,500 a week and $5,000 a month, so a $7,500 balance couldn't all come out within one month. Identity checks come before the first payout. Slot Madness is offshore, isn't licensed by Maine and was named by Michigan's regulator on August 14, 2025, and Maine's Gambling Control Unit says it can't help in such disputes. Read the Slot Madness review and why is my casino withdrawal pending.
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