Maine, a state in the northeastern United States, is one of the least populated and rural. It features smoothly contoured mountains, some forested regions, and wild areas for blueberries, and some visit it for its seafood cuisine, particularly clams and lobsters. In addition to its food, agriculture, and culture, the state also has a thriving regulated gambling scene. Like many US states, Maine strikes a delicate balance in casino regulation, allowing some forms of gambling, but prohibiting online casinos from operating within the state.
Legal Status of Gambling in Maine
In-person gambling is allowed in Maine, with the Gambling Control Unit under the Department of Public Safety as the primary regulator. Under the Main Revised Statues, Title 8, Chapter 31, operations of slot machines and table games in casinos are allowed. Currently, two casinos are in the City of Bangor, the Hollywood Casino, and the Oxford Casino. In 2003, a state-wide referendum approved the addition of slot machines at horse tracks. Still, it was rejected by the city of Scarborough, leaving the city of Bangor as the only city to host gambling facilities at that time. In 2010, the state added another casino in Oxford through an initiative.
Maine law allows community organizations to offer bingo, raffles, and card games. However, regulators put caps on winnings. Bingo prizes are $400 max; raffles can only offer up to $75,000. The lottery is also permitted, with the Maine Lottery offering the Powerball and Mega Millions.
When it comes to online casinos and online gambling, Maine maintains a strict policy. Currently, residents cannot play real money games in online casinos. But recent developments suggest that the state is starting to relax its rule on online betting. On August 8th, 2022, its sports wagering law took effect, with the Indian tribes taking the rights to offer online wagering. But according to the Maine Gambling Control Unit, locals may have to wait until January 2024 to wager online.
Crypto Gambling in Maine
In addition to online wagering, crypto use for betting is also helping promote the industry. Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum offer bettors a convenient, fast, and private way to complete payments. Since it’s a decentralized technology, there’s no third party involved, thus cutting costs and transaction times. Many Bitcoin-ready casinos today boast deposits in minutes or after at least three confirmations in the blockchain, which take less than an hour. In addition, these gambling sites only charge minimal fees, like ‘gas fees,’ to cover the miners’ verifications on the blockchain. These features further popularize an online as an alternative for players looking to prioritize convenience and safety. However, crypto and Bitcoin gambling is still unregulated in the state. There are no laws for consumer protection; thus, players who register and play online face potential fraud risks. Offshore licensed casinos are the next best option for players who want to gamble in Bitcoin. But interested players must always research and exercise caution to find the best Bitcoin casino.
Top Crypto Casinos in Maine
Online gambling is one of the many industries that thrive on crypto and Bitcoin use. With its promise of fast, safe, and primarily anonymous transactions, more players are signing up online to play and win in crypto. But only some crypto casinos feature the same set of bonuses and games. We cover the best crypto casinos in Maine below:
BetCoin.ag
Betcoin.ag is a leading gambling site that supports Bitcoin and all major altcoins for payments. Its Cashier section processes transfer rapidly, with just one confirmation in the blockchain. In addition to its premium 3D slots, Betcoin.ag also hosts video poker, keno, roulette, baccarat, and blackjack. You can also find provably fair games and a live casino section.
FortuneJack Casino
Since 2014, FortuneJack Casino has consistently offered some of the best casino games and an impressive set of bonuses. On its Games Lobby, players can play over 1,500 casino games, over 100 live casino titles, and dozens of exciting, provably fair games. Under the Provably Fair Games section, players can enjoy Texas Hold’em, Spheres, and Keno. Playing these games has become more exciting at FortuneJack thanks to its impressive Welcome Bonus that extends to its recurring offers, including its VIP program. If you’re a new customer, you’ll enjoy a promising signup bonus of up to 6 BTC with an option to enjoy its unlimited 20% cashback.
TrustDice
TrustDice by Satoshi Gaming Group is a popular crypto casino. Players access over 2,000 casino games covering the standard favorites, including slot machines, table games, and jackpot titles. In addition, TrustDice lets players enjoy Dice and Crash, two games based on the blockchain.
Aside from its impressive games, TrustDice also scores high marks for its cashier section. It supports payments through Bitcoin and other leading altcoins with zero withdrawal fees. And if you have questions or issues, its Customer Support team responds within two minutes.
