Introduction to Maine Slot Machine Casino Gambling
Maine slot machine casino gambling exists. Maine has two casinos as well as two racinos (racetrack casinos). One casino and one racino offer slot machines. The second casino is a American Indian tribal casino offering only Class II gaming, including high-stakes bingo.
Both racinos offer table games as well as the expected pari-mutuel wagering. Further, off-track betting is offered at four pari-mutuel parlors around the state.
This post continues the weekly blog series “Slot Machine Casino Gambling, State-By-State“, a year-long online resource project dedicated to guiding slot machine gambling enthusiasts to success.
Relevant Legal Statutes on Gambling*
The minimum legal age for gambling in Maine is:
- 21 for slot machine casino gambling;
- 21 for poker rooms;
- 18 for pari-mutuel wagering;
- 18 for the lottery; and,
- 16 for bingo.
Maine state gaming regulations allows two casinos: the Hollywood Casino Bangor and the Oxford Casino which, for 2016, had a total net gaming revenue of $132 million.
Slot machines at racinos were approved in 2003 via a state-wide referendum, although it was rejected by registered voters in the city of Scarborough. To this day, as a result, the Scarborough Downs Race Track does not offer slot machines.
In 2010, another statewide referendum approved the establishment of Oxford Casino, which offers slot machines and table games. Table games were allowed in 2011 for Hollywood Casino Hotel & Racetrack Bangor.
Maine has four federally-recognized American Indian tribes, which Maine law allows to offer high-stakes bingo games. Prize values for these bingo games are unlimited. Maine’s Penobscot High Stakes Bingo Casino has a bingo hall that seats 1,800 bingo players.
Maine’s legal rights with regards to tribal gaming is unusual relative to other states. The application of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act is excluded due to Maine’s tribes being subjected to the Maine Indian Claims Settlement Act. Unlike most states with tribal gaming, tribal land in Maine is subject to state law.
Maine’s gaming regulations require a minimum return of 89% on all electronic gaming machines. Note that this state law requirement applies to Maine’s tribal casino.
*The purpose of this section is to inform the public of state gambling laws and how the laws apply to various forms of gambling. This information is not intended to provide legal advice.
Slot Machine Private Ownership
It is legal to privately own a slot machine in the U.S. state of Maine.
State Gaming Commission
The Gambling Control Board for Maine consists of five members appointed by the Governor. This Board is supported by The State of Maine Gambling Control Unit within the state’s Department of Public Safety.
In 2017, the Maine Legislature assigned to the Director of the Gambling Control Board the enforcement and administration of the laws governing fantasy sports, beano/bingo, and games of chance. A review of these areas is currently underway, with proposed rules to be found at the Gambling Control Board’s Rulemaking Information webpage.
The stated mission of Maine’s Gambling Control Board is “to provide efficient, effective, and consistent regulation of authorized gaming in the State of Maine.”
Gambling Establishments
Maine has two casinos and two racinos offering slots gambling as well as harness racing. Harness racing is a form of racing where Standardbred horses trot or pace while pulling a two-wheeled cart called a sulky. Off-track betting is also offered at four pari-mutuel parlors around the state.
The largest gambling establishment in Maine is the Hollywood Casino Hotel & Raceway Bangor. From mid-2015 through mid-2016, the average payout percentage for electronic gaming machines was 89.88%.
The second largest is Oxford Casino. From early-2016 through mid-2016, this casino’s average payout percentage for electronic gaming machines was 91.44%
- Hollywood Casino Hotel & Raceway Bangor in Bangor, Maine (racino)
- 923 gaming machines
- 16 table games
- Harness-style horse racing
- Oxford Casino in Oxford, Maine (casino)
- 800 gaming machines
- 22 table games
- Penobscot High Stakes Bingo Casino in Indian Island, Maine (tribal casino)
- Pull-Tab gambling
- Bingo gaming (1,800 seats)
- No website is currently available.
- Scarborough Downs Race Track in Scarborough, Maine (racino)
- Harness-style horse racing
Summary of Maine Slot Machine Casino Gambling
Maine slot machine casino gambling exists at one of two casinos as well as at one of two racinos. These gambling establishments are Hollywood Casino Hotel & Raceway Bangor and Oxford Casino. Both facilities also offer table games.
While the second casino does not offer slot machines, this American Indian tribal casino does offer high-stakes bingo games seating up to 1,800 individuals.
Pari-mutuel wagering is available at both racinos while off-track betting is offered at four pari-mutuel parlors around the state.
References
- “Maine Slot Machine Payout Statistics”, Steve Bourie’s American Casino Guide 2017 Ed., Casino Vacations Press, Inc., ©2017, ISBN: 978-1-883768-26-3.
- “Home”, State Gaming Commission, State of Kansas, Retrieved October 21, 2017.
- “Maine Gambling Laws”, Gambling-Law-US.com, Retrieved October 21, 2017.
- “Maine Casinos”, World Casino Directory, Retrieved October 21, 2017.
Other State-By-State Articles from Professor Slots
- Main: Slot Machine Casino Gambling, State-By-State
- Previous: Louisiana Slot Machine Casino Gambling 2017 – Louisiana slot machine casino gambling includes riverboat casinos, a land-based casino, pari-mutuel casinos with slot machines, and American Indian tribal casinos. The gaming industry has become an important part of Louisiana’s culture and economy, including the spread of video poker across loosely-defined truck stops.
- Next: Maryland Slot Machine Casino Gambling 2017 – Maryland slot machine casino gambling exists at six casinos offering video lottery terminal style slot machines, out of 14 overall gambling establishments. Most recently, the MGM National Harbor casino in Oxon Hill opened in December 2016. Baltimore is home port to two international cruise ships offering slot machines.
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