Total handle in the month amounted to $37.6m. In November, Maine launched its sports betting market and the reporting period covered 27 days. Players won $32.7m from wagering during this period. After deducting voided bets ($137,112) and federal excise tax ($82,342), the adjusted gross receipts were $4.6m. The State of Maine Gambling Control Unit collected $464,152 in other taxes. Operators pay 10% of their adjusted gross receipts in taxes.
Looking at operators active in the opening month, only DraftKings and Caesars were live in November. Both launched on November 3. DraftKings performed better, generating $4.3m in adjusted gross receipts from a $30.5m handle. The operator is partnering with the Passamaquoddy tribe to offer its online sportsbook in Maine. Players won $26.1m betting with DraftKings in November. The operator paid $65,467 in federal excise tax and $425,914 in other taxes.
As for Caesars, its adjusted gross receipts amounted to $382,374 with a handle of $7.1m. Winnings at Caesars reached $6.6m, and the operator paid $16,875 in federal excise tax and $38,237 in other taxes. Caesars is live in Maine through partnerships with three of the Wabanaki nations, including Houlton band of Maliseet Indians, Mi’kmaq nation, and Penobscot nation.
Maine opened its sports betting market almost 18 months after legalization. Governor Janet Mills signed a bill allowing retail and online sports wagering. However, internet sports wagering can only be run by approved tribes in the state according to LD 585. Tribes can apply for a license to operate online betting and partner with one online operator each. Retail wagering is open to combined racetracks and off-track betting facilities through land-based licenses.
