Sports betting, delayed in Maine
Lawmakers in Maine remain undecided on sports betting and have pushed back the debate to study the segment.
US.- Sports betting may come to Maine at some point in the future but lawmakers continue to delay its legalisation. The segment’s arrival has been delayed in order to further study what launching sports betting might mean.
The Veterans and Legal Affairs committee voted to table one bill and kill several related ones. Democratic Sen. Louis Luchini said the committee needs time to debate complex issues raised by allowing sports wagering.
Different possibilities
Differences remain on how to regulate the sports betting segment after PASPA got revoked.
“Anytime we expand gambling we have to consider the negative effects. That always becomes part of the equation,” said Sen. Louis Luchini, co-chairman of the Legislature’s Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee. “Gambling bills are always controversial. It is something you have to take the time and meet with all the parties and hash out something responsible.”
Rep. Evangelo’s bill would allow bets on professional and amateur sports at land-based and online venues. It foresees a US$30k licence fee and a 25% tax. “We are not reinventing anything. It is an established model that works,” he said, as the bill is based on New Jersey’s model.
