Maine Casinos – Best Places to Gamble in ME

The definition of gambling in Maine Revised Statutes is pretty broad. It includes staking or risking something of value on the outcome of a contest of chance or a future contingent event. This definition covers Internet games too, but it’s not as relevant to individual gamblers as it is in other states.

Unlawful gambling is defined as “intentionally or knowingly advancing or profiting from unlawful gambling activity.” So, if you’re just a player in an illegal game, you won’t get convicted of an illegal gambling charge. That’s good news because the penalty can be pretty steep – up to three years in prison! However, if you’re under 21 and you play a slot machine, you can still be found guilty of unlawful gambling.

Most gambling-related matters in Maine are covered in Title 8: Amusements and Sports. If you’re 18, you’re good to go for the lottery, bingo, and pari-mutuel betting. But if you’re into casino-style games like poker, you’ll need to be 21 to play.

List of Top Gambling Venues in Maine

Related reading: Maine online casinos

Reviews of the Top Maine Casinos

1. Oxford Casino

Oxford Casino is located in the town of Oxford, Maine, and was opened in 2012. The casino is spread over 27,000 square feet and features over 850 slot machines and 26 table games, including popular titles such as Wheel of Fortune, Cleopatra, Blackjack, Roulette, and Craps.

The casino also has a high limit room for players looking for a more exclusive gaming experience. The minimum bets for table games range from $5 to $25, while the minimum bets for slot machines can range from a few cents to a few dollars.

In addition to the gaming floor, Oxford Casino also offers a variety of dining options. The Ox Pub is a casual restaurant serving pub-style food, while the Oxford Grill is a more upscale dining option featuring steaks, seafood, and other American favorites.

The casino does not have an attached hotel, but there are several hotels and motels in the area that offer packages for visitors to the casino. Additionally, Oxford Casino offers a free shuttle service to and from several nearby hotels.

Other amenities at Oxford Casino include a gift shop, free valet parking, and live entertainment on select weekends. The casino also offers a rewards program that allows players to earn points for their play, which can be redeemed for various perks and benefits.

2. Hollywood Casino Bangor

Hollywood Casino Bangor is located in the city of Bangor, Maine, and opened in 2005. The casino features over 800 slot machines and 16 table games, including popular titles such as Wheel of Fortune, Buffalo Gold, and Ultimate Texas Hold’em.

The casino is spread over 30,000 square feet, and the minimum bets for table games range from $5 to $50, while the minimum bets for slot machines can range from a few cents to several dollars. Hollywood Casino Bangor also has a poker room with 4 tables.

Hollywood Casino Bangor also features a variety of dining options. The Epic Buffet offers a wide selection of dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, while the Take 2 Snack Bar is a quick and convenient option for those on-the-go.

The attached hotel, the Hollywood Casino Bangor Hotel, has over 150 rooms and suites, and features amenities such as an indoor pool, fitness center, and complimentary breakfast. The hotel also offers a variety of packages and promotions for guests, including discounts on room rates and gaming.

3. Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians

The Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians operates a small casino in Houlton, Maine. The casino features over 110 slot machines, and the minimum bets for the machines can range from a few cents to several dollars.

The casino is relatively small, and there are no table games or poker rooms available. The venue is located in a historic building and has a rustic feel, with wood paneling and Native American decor.

Other amenities at the casino include free parking and a rewards program that allows players to earn points for their play. The points can be redeemed for various perks and benefits, such as free play, food and beverage discounts, and merchandise from the gift shop. The Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians casino also hosts occasional promotions and events for guests, such as slot tournaments and prize giveaways.

4. Aroostook Band of Micmacs

The Aroostook Band of Micmacs operates a small casino in Presque Isle, Maine. The casino features over 60 slot machines, with minimum bets ranging from a few cents to several dollars.

The venue is relatively small and does not offer any table games or poker rooms. However, there is a small bar area where guests can enjoy drinks while playing the slot machines.

There is no dining or hotel available at the Aroostook Band of Micmacs casino. However, there are several restaurants and hotels in the area for visitors to choose from.

5. Penobscot High Stakes Bingo

Penobscot High Stakes Bingo is located in Old Town, Maine, and is owned and operated by the Penobscot Indian Nation. The venue features a large bingo hall that can accommodate up to 500 players, as well as electronic gaming machines and pull-tab tickets.

The bingo hall offers a variety of games, including traditional bingo games with paper cards and electronic bingo games with handheld devices. The bingo games have varying buy-in prices and prize pools, and there are also special events and promotions held throughout the year.

In addition to bingo, Penobscot High Stakes Bingo also features over 50 electronic gaming machines with popular titles such as Wheel of Fortune, Quick Hits, and Dragon Link. The minimum bets for the machines can range from a few cents to several dollars.

There is no dining or hotel available at Penobscot High Stakes Bingo. However, there are several restaurants and hotels in the area for visitors to choose from.

Maine Gambling Revenues

Gambling revenues generated from casinos and other gambling establishments in Maine are significant, with millions of dollars in revenue generated each year. In 2021, the state’s two casinos – Oxford Casino and Hollywood Casino Bangor – generated a combined $120 million in gross gaming revenue.

These revenues are subject to taxes, with the state of Maine receiving a portion of the revenue in the form of taxes and fees. In 2021, the state’s share of the gross gaming revenue generated by the two casinos was approximately $37 million.

The state uses these revenues to support various programs and initiatives, including education, healthcare, and public safety. The Maine Gambling Control Board is responsible for overseeing the allocation of these funds, and works to ensure that the revenues generated from gambling are used in accordance with state laws and regulations.

It is worth noting that while gambling revenues can provide a significant source of revenue for the state, they are also subject to fluctuations based on various factors such as economic conditions and competition from neighboring states. As such, the state continues to monitor gambling revenues and adjust regulations as needed to ensure the sustainability and responsible growth of the industry.

Indian Gaming Tribes in Maine

Maine is home to several Native American tribes, each with their own unique histories and cultures. In recent years, several of these tribes have entered the gaming industry, offering casino and bingo gaming to visitors.

However, the history of Native American gaming in Maine has been fraught with controversy and legal battles. In 1980, the Passamaquoddy Tribe opened a high-stakes bingo hall in Indian Township, which was promptly shut down by state officials who deemed it illegal. Similar disputes arose in the following years, with tribes arguing that they had the right to offer gaming on their sovereign lands.

In 1988, the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act was passed, which granted tribes the right to offer gaming on their lands under certain conditions. Since then, several Maine tribes have opened gaming facilities, including the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians and the Aroostook Band of Micmacs.

Despite the passage of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, legal disputes between Maine tribes and state officials have continued. In 2012, the Passamaquoddy Tribe sued the state of Maine over its refusal to negotiate a gaming compact, which the tribe argued was required by law. The case was eventually dismissed by a federal court.

Overall, the relationship between Maine tribes and the state government remains complex and sometimes contentious. However, the gaming industry has provided a source of revenue and economic development for many tribes, while also creating jobs and entertainment options for visitors.

Indian Gaming Tribes in Maine:

• Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians
• Passamaquoddy Indian Township
• Penobscot Indian Nation
• Aroostook Band of Micmacs
• Pleasant Point Passamaquoddy Tribe

Gambling Taxes in Maine

If you are a resident of Maine who engages in gambling activities, it is important to understand the state’s tax laws and regulations. Under Maine law, all gambling winnings are subject to state income tax, regardless of the amount won. This includes winnings from casinos, horse racing, bingo, and other forms of gambling.

The tax rate on gambling winnings in Maine is based on your total taxable income for the year. For example, if your total taxable income for the year is $50,000 and you win $1,000 at a casino, your gambling winnings will be taxed at the same rate as the rest of your income. The current tax rates in Maine range from 5.8% to 7.15%, depending on your income bracket.

If you win more than $5,000 at a casino or other gambling establishment, the establishment is required to withhold 24% of your winnings for federal income tax purposes. You will receive a W-2G form from the establishment showing the amount of taxes withheld. You must include this amount on your federal income tax return, but you may be able to claim a credit or deduction for the taxes paid to Maine on your federal return.

To pay your Maine state income taxes on gambling winnings, you must file a state income tax return by April 15th of each year. You will need to report all of your gambling winnings on the appropriate line of your tax return, and you may be required to attach copies of any W-2G forms you received. If you fail to report your gambling winnings or underreport the amount, you may be subject to penalties and interest.

If you have any questions about how to calculate your gambling taxes in Maine or need help filing your tax return, you should consider consulting with a tax professional or contacting the Maine Revenue Services. By understanding the state’s tax laws and regulations related to gambling, you can ensure that you are in compliance with the law and avoid any potential penalties or legal issues.

A History of Gambling in Maine

Gambling has a long and complicated history in Maine, dating back to the colonial era. In the 17th and 18th centuries, lotteries were used as a means of raising money for public works projects, such as the construction of roads and bridges. However, these lotteries were often plagued by fraud and corruption, leading to their eventual prohibition in the 19th century.

During the late 1800s and early 1900s, gambling in Maine was largely limited to underground operations, such as illegal card games and sports betting. In 1893, the state passed a law prohibiting all forms of gambling, with the exception of horse racing.

Horse racing remained the only legal form of gambling in Maine until 1973, when the state legalized bingo games for charitable purposes. Over the next several years, bingo halls began to pop up throughout the state, with proceeds going to support various charities and nonprofit organizations.

In 2004, Maine voters approved a referendum to allow slot machines at the state’s two horse racing tracks – Scarborough Downs and Bangor Raceway. This paved the way for the construction of the Hollywood Casino Bangor and the expansion of Scarborough Downs into a full-fledged casino.

In 2012, a second casino – the Oxford Casino – was opened in Oxford County, offering slot machines, table games, and a poker room. Today, Maine’s casinos continue to draw visitors from both in-state and out-of-state, with millions of dollars in revenue generated each year.

However, the expansion of gambling in Maine has not been without controversy. Some critics argue that casinos can have negative social and economic impacts, such as increased problem gambling and a drain on local businesses. Others point out that casinos can provide a source of revenue for the state and support local jobs.

To mitigate some of these concerns, Maine has implemented various regulations and policies aimed at promoting responsible gambling and minimizing the negative impacts of casinos. For example, the Maine Gambling Control Board oversees the state’s gambling industry and works to ensure that casinos operate in compliance with state laws and regulations.

Despite these efforts, gambling remains a contentious issue in Maine. As the industry continues to evolve, it is likely that the state will face new challenges and opportunities related to gambling and its impacts on society.

Maine Gambling FAQ

How much can you win at Maine casinos before being taxed?

In Maine, all gambling winnings are subject to state income tax, regardless of the amount won. This means that there is no minimum amount you can win before being taxed. If you win any amount of money through gambling activities, you are required to report those winnings on your state income tax return and pay taxes on them accordingly.

How to ban yourself from casinos in Maine?

If you feel like you have a gambling problem and want to ban yourself from Maine casinos, you can enroll in the Maine Voluntary Self-Exclusion Program. This program allows you to voluntarily ban yourself from all casinos in the state for a period of either two years, five years, or lifetime. You can enroll in the program by completing an enrollment form and submitting it to the Maine Gambling Control Unit.

Who regulates gambling in Maine?

The Maine Gambling Control Unit is responsible for regulating all forms of gambling in the state, including casinos, horse racing, and charitable gaming activities. The unit is part of the Maine State Police and is responsible for issuing licenses, conducting investigations, and enforcing state gambling laws and regulations.

What is the minimum gambling age in Maine?

The minimum gambling age in Maine is 21 for all forms of gambling, including casinos, horse racing, and charitable gaming activities. If you are under the age of 21 and participate in any form of gambling in Maine, you may be subject to penalties and legal consequences.

Can I gamble online in Maine?

Currently, there are no state-regulated online gambling options available in Maine. However, residents of the state may be able to access and use offshore online gambling sites, although this activity is not regulated by the state and may be subject to legal risks.

What types of gambling are legal in Maine?

In Maine, the types of legal gambling include casinos, horse racing, charitable gaming activities, and the state lottery. There are currently two casinos in the state, as well as a number of off-track betting facilities and charity bingo halls.

How many casinos are there in Maine?

There are currently two casinos in Maine: the Oxford Casino in Oxford and the Hollywood Casino Bangor in Bangor. Both casinos offer a range of slot machines, table games, and other forms of gambling, as well as dining and entertainment options.

Can I deduct gambling losses on my taxes in Maine?

Yes, if you report gambling winnings on your Maine state income tax return, you may be able to deduct gambling losses up to the amount of your winnings. However, you must itemize your deductions in order to claim gambling losses, and you must have documentation, such as receipts or a gambling diary, to support your claim.