DraftKings Brokers Deal For Maine Sports Betting

Bradley’s Zek Montgomery, left, goes to the basket against Maine’s Vukasin Masic in the first half Saturday, Nov. 27, 2021 at Carver Arena. The Braves defeated the Black Bears 71-39.DraftKings announced a deal with the Passamaquoddy Tribe to offer online sports betting in MaineDraftKings joins Caesars Sportsbook as the only two operators in the stateThe operator will donate $100,000 to the Lewiston-Auburn Area Response Fund in response to the tragic events in Lewiston, ME, on Oct. 25

DraftKings Maine is coming to the Pine Tree State.

DraftKings announced a deal with the Passamaquoddy Tribe to offer Maine online sports betting when the state launches its services this month. It joins Caesars Sportsbook as the only other online sports betting operator in Maine.

Maine will be DraftKings’ 25th live state where it offers online sports betting.

Maine Sports Betting Launch on the Way

The deal between DraftKings and the Passamaquoddy Tribe will allow customers 21-year-of-age and older to access the operator’s innovative sportsbook app when Maine launches sports betting this month.

According to Maine Public, Milt Champion, executive director of the Maine Gambling Control Unit, said Maine sports betting is likely to launch between Nov. 5 and Nov. 15 after the state attorney general’s office approves the final sports betting rules and sends the list to the Secretary of State’s office.

The Secretary of State will review the rules and post them to their website. Once the rules are published, he noted, Maine sports betting can go live.

DraftKings CEO and Co-Founder Jason Robins lauded the deal as a “fantastic way” to bring customers in Maine “safe and legal sports betting.”

“Building a relationship with the Passamaquoddy Tribe is a fantastic opportunity for DraftKings, as we look to bring customers in the state of Maine safe and legal sports betting,” Robins said in a press release. “We look forward to our continued collaboration with the Maine Gambling Control Unit as we become the official mobile sports betting provider of the Passamaquoddy Tribe and launch in our industry-leading 25th state.”

Chief William Nicholas of the Passamaquoddy Tribe said the tribe is “excited to enter into a mobile sports wagering agreement with DraftKings.”

“We couldn’t have landed a better organization in the mobile sports wagering arena, and we look forward to continued progress and investment for future growth in the state of Maine,” he said in a release.

The Mi’kmak Nation, Maliseet Tribe, and Penobscot Nation have all partnered with Caesars Sportsbook for their retail and online sports betting services.

The tribes will control an estimated 85% of the sports betting market in the state, as online sports betting comprises the vast majority of all sports betting markets. The bill also included concessions to the tribes, such as tax relief and consultation rights with the state for issues that would directly affect their affairs.

The bill does not allow Maine sports bettors to place wagers on Maine colleges or esports of any kind.

Supporting Maine Through Tragedy

In addition to the deal, DraftKings’ representatives announced the company will donate $100,000 to the Lewiston-Auburn Area Response Fund to support those affected by the tragic events in Lewiston, ME, on Oct. 25.

Maine Community Foundation will act as a conduit and 100% of every dollar donated will be distributed to people impacted and to organizations that will help guide Lewiston-Auburn through the difficult days ahead.

A shooter killed 18 people at a bowling alley and a bar in Lewiston on Oct. 25.