A Short History of Gambling in Maine

 This content was produced in partnership with Bazoom Group.

Would you be surprised to learn that Maine hasn't always been the most gambling-friendly place? Probably not, right? The Pine State’s reputation of tranquility and natural beauty is a far cry from the neon lights of Las Vegas, after all. But times are ever-changing. These days Maine is as good a state to place a wager as any other, with brick-and-mortar casinos tried, tested, and fully embraced. Of course, there's still room for growth. The next frontier for gambling legalization is online.

Online Gambling: The Future Frontier

Nationwide, only seven states have legalized online casino gambling. Maine has a lot to gain from becoming number eight. Appetite for convenient gambling online is high here, and in the absence of domestic platforms, more and more Maine residents are using offshore casino sites. Safe and reliable ones are easy to find if you know where to look. In fact, Techopedia.com’s casino expert Daniel Smyth says many of these sites offer the widest selection of games and the best welcome bonuses.

By ignoring the clear demand for online options, Maine is missing a trick, as residents take their business offshore. How long it will take for the government to catch on is anyone's guess. But, to get a rough prediction of the future, we can always look back.

The History of Gambling in Maine

Maine’s gambling story began in its colonial period. Back then, Lotteries were a popular way to fund public projects, allowing Maine to develop infrastructure and services without imposing heavy taxes on the populace. This early embrace of gambling planted seeds in Maines's culture, which would eventually grow into a public appetite for legal wagering.

Fast forward to the 20th Century and horse racing began gathering momentum as a beloved Maine pass time. Placing bets on the ‘ponies’ became a common way to spend a day off, drawing crowds to racetracks across the state and contributing to the local economy.

In 1974, Maine took the next step forward in the gambling industry with the launch of the Maine State Lottery. This marked a new era for gambling in the state, providing residents with a convenient and accessible way to participate in games of chance. Quickly gaining popularity, history repeated itself as The Lottery generated substantial revenue for Maine, funding various public programs.

The Early 2000s marked another turning point. In 2003, Maine voters approved a referendum allowing slot machines at horse racing tracks. This decision paved the way for the development of larger-scale gambling facilities. The subsequent opening of Hollywood Casino in Bangor in 2004 was game-changing, bringing in jobs and revenue for the state.

Building on this success, voters approved another referendum in 2010, authorizing the construction of Oxford Casino, which opened its doors in 2012. These two casinos expanded Maine's gambling offerings, attracting both residents and tourists alike.

The Future of Gambling in Maine

Maine’s gambling industry has come a long way from its humble beginnings. Looking forward,

the legalization of online gambling is a real possibility. Additionally, exploring the potential of sports betting is a logical next step. For Maine, the future holds nothing but possibility. As technology advances and consumer preferences evolve, the state can maximize the benefits of the gambling industry by simply doing what it has always done: Changing with the times.

If you or anyone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER.