Maine residents spend almost $4m in bets across opening online sports betting weekend
Maine Gambling Control Unit confirm DraftKings took more than $3.4m in bets on the opening weekend of sports betting action, with $2.98m paid out in winnings
The Maine Gambling Control Unit (MGCU) has released the opening sports weekend figures for the Pine Tree State, which showed Mainers spent almost $4m on bets.
Sports betting went live in Maine on November 3, 2023, with the figures released by the MGCU covering the market from opening until Sunday, November 5.
Across the weekend, bettors spent over $3.4m with DraftKings, with Caesars taking $528,923 in bets made. The pair paid out a combined $2.98m in winnings.
Tax collected from the first weekend of sports betting with the two operators came out at $93,952.88.
The taxation forms part of Maine’s sports betting regulations, which specify that 50% of revenue must be given to tribal operators while the state takes an additional 10%.
DraftKings gained market access via a deal with the Passamaquoddy Tribe. Its entry into Maine marked the 25th US state in which the Boston-headquartered operator’s sportsbook is available.
When the firm agreed to the partnership on November 1, CEO Jason Robins said: “Building a relationship with the Passamaquoddy Tribe is a fantastic opportunity for DraftKings, as we look to bring customers in the state of Maine safe and legal sports betting.”
Caesars has access to the Maine online sports betting market via partnerships with three of the Wabanaki Nations: the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, the Mi’kmaq Nation, and the Penobscot Nation.
At the time of the deal, Caesars Digital president Eric Hession commented: “Maine sports fans deserve an elevated sports wagering experience that matches the pedigree of sports fandom in New England.
“The launch of Caesars Sportsbook delivers on that pedigree with a platform built for the modern sports fan 21 and older, with exciting ways to wager responsibly on the sports they love.”