Maine takes on sports betting

The legislative session kicks off today and Maine may finally legalised sports betting as a bill sits on the governor’s desk, waiting for a signature.

US.- Many sports fans usually ask for an autograph from their favourite players. However, the most wanted signature regarding sports in Maine right now is Governor Janet Mills’.

Maine lawmakers have already passed a bill to legalise sports betting in the state. However, it still needs to get the mandatary’s signature to finally enforce the approved regulations. 

The previous session ended and the Constitution puts the bill on hold automatically. However, she has now three days to make a final decision: either she signs it or drops it.

“I will continue to review these bills and gather more information,” Mills said on Maine sports betting legalisation and others. “I look forward to acting on them at the beginning of the next legislative session,” she added.

Well, it is now time for the “next legislative session”, which is why the state may have a legal industry really soon.

The proposal

Members of the Senate voted 19-15 in favour of the bill, which would allow individuals over 21 to place bets on both professional and collegiate sports across the state. LD 553 would also allow bets to be placed at physical locations like casinos and through mobile phones and online.

Once it finally gets signed, the Maine sports betting bill would also establish that back and mortar facilities would be required of a 10% tax rate. Moreover, mobile-only platform operators would pay a 16% tax on their revenues.

One of the things that have been discussed when treating the bill is the possibility of operators that wish to gain an online license to have some kind of association with a physical gambling facility. However, a majority of committee members opted for an untethered licence, as they believe is easier and offers a “free” approach.