Maine Horse Racing Betting
The state of Maine isn’t exactly a hotbed for horse racing, but there are several options to be found for placing wagers. Two tracks are fully up and running for harness racing, and there are also off-track betting and simulcast venues for bettors to explore.
As for online betting on horse racing, it’s fully legal in Maine. However, there is just one legal and regulated site which has set up shop in the state.
Legal Maine Horse Racing Betting Sites
Online Horse Racing Betting in ME
The Maine State Harness Racing Commission is the body which oversees the industry in the state. The commission maintains a presence on the Maine.gov website underneath the section for the Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry.
Clickable links for all of the rules and statutes surrounding harness racing can be found here. Additionally, Title 8, Chapter 11 of the Harness Racing Statutes spells it all out, with section S263-A dedicated to the specific responsibilities of the commission.
Chapter 13 outlines the specific rules surrounding pari mutuel wagering and can be accessed via a clickable document. For online betting, users must be 18 years of age or older and all operators wishing to service the state’s residents must be licensed and approved by the commission.
The commission may allow interstate simulcasting and license any off-track betting facility regardless of the number of race dates that were conducted in the State for any calendar year. Interstate simulcasting always must be allowed at any commercial track. [PL 2017, c. 231, §18 (AMD).]
Licensed Maine Racetracks
Harness racing is featured at two different venues in the state of Maine. Here are the locations and details on both of the facilities.
500 Main Street
Bangor, ME 04401
This casino and harness racing facility is operated by Penn National Gaming. In addition toi live racing, visitors will find a hotel for overnight stays and several dining options.
90 Payne Road
Scarborough, ME 04074
Scarborough traces its roots back to 1950. The venue has gone through a number of renovations through the years. There’s a VIP lounge on-site as well as a Downs Club restaurant.
Off-Track Betting in Maine
While there’s only one option to bet on horse racing online in Maine, there are several off-track betting facilities for those looking for something a little different.
38 College Avenue
Waterville, ME
890 Main Street
Sanford, ME
These two venues are part of the same company and open seven days a week for those looking to watch and wager in person.
500 Main Street
Bangor, ME 04401
This combination casino and harness racing track also has a full simulcasting menu. The venue is open seven days per week and a schedule of races to be broadcast can be found online.
90 Payne Road
Scarborough, ME 04074
In addition to live racing, Scarborough has full simulcasting capabilities. Live racing runs on a calendar stretching from April through December, while simulcasting is offered year-round.
20 Farley Road
Brunswick, ME
Maine Horse Racing Betting Laws
It’s legal to bet on horse racing in Maine, which is a racing-friendly state that provides easy access to the rules and regulations surrounding the industry. The Maine Harness Racing Commission is the overseeing body. A full list of laws and statues can be found online with clickable links for additional information.
§263-A. Commission responsibilities
The commission has the following responsibilities under this chapter. [PL 1997, c. 528, §6 (NEW).]
1. Rulemaking. The commission shall adopt rules for:
A. The conduct of harness racing and off-track betting facilities; [PL 1997, c. 528, §6 (NEW).]
B. The licensing of race tracks and off-track betting facilities; [PL 1997, c. 528, §6 (NEW).]
C. The licensing of individuals participating in harness racing and off-track betting facilities, including rules requiring applicants to submit information sufficient for the report required to be submitted by the executive director of the commission as required by section 1037; [PL 2011, c. 358, §3 (AMD).]
D. The procedures for hearing appeals from decisions of track judges; [PL 1997, c. 528, §6 (NEW).]
E. The procedures and standards for setting race dates; and [PL 2017, c. 475, Pt. A, §8 (AMD).]
F. Any other responsibility assigned to the commission under this chapter. [PL 1997, c. 528, §6 (NEW).]
Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are routine technical rules pursuant to Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter II-A.
Major Horse Racing Events in Maine
There’s not much in the way of major live racing events in Maine, but Scarborough Downs plays host to the biggest card of the year.
Festival of Champions: Billed as the richest day of harness racing in the state, purses total $500,000 for the full card of events.