Maine to hold sports betting hearing today

The Maine Senate Committee will discuss the possible legalisation of sports betting in the state.

US.- This morning, the Senate Committee on Veterans and Legal Affairs will meet to receive testimony on Senator Louis Luchini‘s newly drafted senate bill 1352 regarding sports betting legalisation in Maine.

As of Thursday, the only person programmed to speak was chairman of the Maine Gambling Control Board (MGCB), Steve Miller.

Maine’s new bill includes retail and online betting with a tax rate of 10 per cent on GGR at brick and mortar operations and 16 per cent on online betting. OTB gambling venues, casinos, and racetracks can apply for a license. The fee would be $20,000 fee.

College sports betting would only be allowed for out-of-state colleges.

During today’s hearing, three additional sports betting related bills will be discussed: LD 1404 – which seeks to legalise sports betting and strengthen public education; LD 1405 – to regulate, tax, and control sports wagering; and LD 1527 – to ensure proper oversight of sports betting in the state.

The Maine legislature adjourns for the year on June 16.

President of the Maine Harness Horsemen’s Association, Michael Cushing has already presented a written testimony in which he said: “The allure to join the other states is understandable, given the obvious economic gains for our state. However, it is crucial that the approval of such legislation is done with considerable forethought, in order to maximize the benefits without damaging Maine’s existing gaming partners.”

In the New England area, there are only two other states that have legalised sports betting: New Hampshire and Rhode Island.

Massachusetts has recently proposed a bill and Vermont is considering it. Connecticut recently legalised sports betting after reaching an agreement with the state tribes.

Maine saw a first proposal on sports betting presented back in 2019 but it was blocked by Governor Janet Mills.