Is Poker legal in Maine (ME)? Online Poker Laws in Maine Explained

Can You Play Online Poker in Maine?

As of January 2026, Maine has officially become the ninth state in the U.S. to legalize online poker following the enactment of LD 1164.

The legislation, titled “An Act to Create Economic Opportunity for the Wabanaki Nations Through Internet Gaming,” became law at midnight on Saturday, January 10, after Governor Janet Mills opted to allow the bill to pass without her signature.

However, the immediate future of online poker remains somewhat uncertain. The current law does not authorize the state to join interstate shared-liquidity compacts, meaning players may initially be restricted to a smaller, state-specific pool until additional legislation is passed.

Current Maine Gambling Laws

As of 2019, Maine law allows for two casinos with the Hollywood Casino Hotel & Raceway expanding its harness racing offering and the Oxford Casino beginning operations in 2012.

Harness racing is also permitted at Scarborough Downs and meets can take place for up to nine days at nine agricultural fairs. Bingo with unlimited prize value is permitted at by Maine's four recognized Indian tribes. Charitable bingo games are also permitted with prizes of up to $400. Other charitable gaming is also allowed including raffles with prizes up to $75,000 and card games with a $1 maximum bet.

Regarding online gambling, discussions date back to 2012 when the state House's Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee began exploring the subject, and the consensus was it was inevitably coming. However proposed bills stalled, and in fact, by the end of 2015, the state's Attorney General Janet Mills was writing in support of the Restoration of America's Wire Act.

In early 2019, a sports betting bill was introduced that if passed would permit wagering on professional and college sports for both retail and online operations. However that bill had stalled by the summer, perhaps to be revived in a future legislative session.

Unfortunately, no movement has been made in Maine as of late regarding online poker and casino games, but if the sports betting bill gets revived they could decide to expand their iGaming offerings.

Best Online Poker Sites for Maine Players

Despite LD 1164 legalizing online poker in Maine, no sites are operating at present. But you can always play poker for free with the WSOP Social App.