Since the repeal of PASPA by the US Supreme Court five years ago, sports betting has proliferated across the United States, with more than 30 states currently allowing various formats of the activity. Notably, mobile-based sports betting has grown significantly due to the ease of use and availability of mobile devices.
Last year, Maine brought about the legalisation of sports betting, though the exact rules and regulations are still under construction in anticipation of the forthcoming launch. A recently published report reveals that Maine might make legal sports betting available as early as this year, in time for Thanksgiving.
A recent interview with the head of the Maine Gambling Control Unit, Milton Champion, shed light on developments in the legislative process. Central Maine reported that Champion confirmed that sports betting might become a reality in the state by November. Discussing the proposed rules, Champion revealed that the draft received approximately 600 public comments, resulting in a review.
The newly proposed rules signify substantial adjustments to the provisional regulatory framework, such as the reduction in advertising limitations. The initial draft of the sports betting regulatory framework suggested restrictions that prohibited celebrities from featuring in gambling-based promotional content. However, the updated regulations have done away with such restrictions. In its place, the only prerequisite is that celebrities who participate in gambling advertising avoid attracting minors.
The Gambling Control Board Chair, Seven Silver, commented on these adjustments, calling the revised advertising guidelines “much more reasonable”. He elaborated that these changes in advertising regulations were “softened significantly, making them more palatable.”
Market Launch Anticipated by November
Champion is optimistic about the recent rules draft, stating, “I believe we have a robust product at present.” However, similarly to the initial draft, the revised rules will be subject to public scrutiny, a process that remains open until June 16, 2023. Despite that, Champion expressed that he is confident that the new set of rules will gain further momentum.
“Optimally, we could be operational by mid-November. We could be live by Thanksgiving”.
Milton Champion, head of the Maine Gambling Control Unit
Provided everything proceeds according to plan, the head of the Maine Gambling Control Unit envisions the launch of sports betting in the state by Thanksgiving this year. The revised guidelines must first be approved by the Attorney General, which can take up to 120 days.
One crucial step before the market launch is the licensing of operators. Champion implied that gambling operators keen on entering the sports betting market should promptly apply for the required licenses.
So far, Caesars is the only operator that has shown an increased interest in the Maine betting market. However, according to Champion, there are yet to be any applications from sports betting operators. Champion highlighted the complexity of the licensing process and encouraged operators to start their applications without delay.
