Maine is a state where poker is not as popular as it is in other states, but it still has a significant presence in home games. While several bills have been introduced to legalize online sports gambling and fantasy football in the state, Maine currently only has two casinos and no online poker sites. However, there’s no need to worry, as we have researched and compiled a list of the top six online poker sites available for Maine residents.
Our recommended offshore poker sites offer players from Maine access to online poker from anywhere in the world. We will provide you with essential information that will help you play poker in Maine, including the state’s legal framework, our top six picks, and future prospects for online poker in Maine.
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List of the Best Online Poker Sites in Maine
Maine doesn’t have any in-state poker sites. Instead, we’ve found the best offshore poker sites for you to play at while you wait for Maine to bring more online gaming action to the state:
The Latest ME Poker News
There’s relatively little news to go on for Maine, as it’s not a very poker friendly state. Watch this space and we’ll keep you updated as we find out more about poker news in Maine.
Reviews of the Best ME Poker Sites
There is one casino in Maine where you can play poker in person, but playing poker online offers many advantages, such as better tournaments, more tables, and a player pool that’s active around the clock. Unfortunately, there are no online poker sites that are based within Maine. However, we can suggest some of the best offshore poker sites available. Take a look at our reviews below to discover the best poker sites for bonuses, game selection, and overall gaming experience.
1. BetOnline – The No.1 Overall Online Poker Site for Maine
- Payout Time: Up to 24 Hours
- Established: 1991
- License: Panama
- Headquarters: Panama
Our Verdict: 4.5/5
BetOnline has been a reputable provider of online casino services since 1991, with a longstanding history as one of the best offshore casino operators. All gaming on BetOnline is licensed by the Panama Gaming Commission, which ensures a safe and secure online poker experience. You can choose to start with play money tables to get comfortable or dive straight into the cash games.
BetOnline offers online poker games backed by three different providers, ensuring a variety of options for players. The live games are offered through Visionary iGaming’s Black and Fresh Deck Games’ Red portals, both available 24/7. However, if you’re looking for a range of fast-paced games, you should check out the software tables provided by RealTime Gaming, a renowned developer of premium casino games.
BetOnline provides two options for playing its poker games: the website and the downloadable app. The app provides the added benefit of allowing you to play Texas Hold’em and Omaha Hi/Lo in a separate window, making it easier to quickly join a game. Once in a game, the poker action is fast-paced with features such as automatic betting, full emote-enabled chat lobbies, card histories and statistics from past games, and win percentages when all cards are on the table. Additionally, you can join multiple games at once, which is especially useful for speeding up gameplay when someone’s slowing the game down at your table.
Poker Game Variety at BetOnline: 4/5
When we checked out BetOnline we found the primary poker games available are Texas Hold’em and Omaha. At any one time there’s roughly 15 tournaments underway and hundreds of others remained open for registration. BetOnline also features live poker games through their Red or Black live portals, though these games are on rotation and will require confirmation of availability.
Payment Options: 5/5
Depositing funds to your BetOnline cashier account is a breeze with various payment methods available. While debit or credit cards are accepted and processed instantly, a flat 9.75% fee is charged for every card transaction you make. Alternatively, you can pay through wire transfer, cashier’s check, Moneygram, or money orders. However, the most convenient and fee-free option is using cryptocurrencies, including not only Bitcoin but also other Altcoins such as Ethereum and Dogecoin. Furthermore, there are no fees for cashing in or out using cryptocurrencies.
Customer Support: 4.5/5
BetOnline provides comprehensive customer support to address any concerns you may have. We tested their live chat feature and were immediately connected with a knowledgeable support agent who walked us through the payment process. In addition to live chat, BetOnline offers a phone number and email address for direct support. What’s more, their customer support is available around the clock, so you can get assistance whenever you need it.
Bonuses & Promos: 4.2/5
The majority of BetOnline bonuses are targeted towards new players, and this is also the case for their poker bonus. Upon making your first cash deposit, you can receive a 100% bonus on your initial stake up to $1000. The bonus will be released to you incrementally, with $5 being awarded for every $50 in rake. Furthermore, BetOnline offers a 100% bonus for first-time cryptocurrency deposits, as well as a 35% bonus for all subsequent top-ups.
Bonus name Bonus amount Promo code Rollover Minimum deposit Bitcoin accepted? Poker Sign-up Offer 100% up to $500 BOLCASINO $5 for $50 rake $50 ✅ Pros:
- Variety of cash money and play money poker games
- Bonuses are attractive to new players
- Tournaments day and night including Sit & Go
- Offers Six Plus Hold’em to play with a live dealer
Cons:
- High Credit and Debit Card Fees
2. Bovada – Maine’s Best Poker Site For New Players
- Payout Time: Up to 72 Hours
- Established: 2011
- License: Curacao
- Headquarters: Canada
Our Verdict: 4.7/5
Bovada’s reputation as an online casino operator with over ten years of experience in gaming is unmatched by most poker sites. They offer not only table games such as poker and blackjack but also a sportsbook and a wide variety of slots games to cater to your preferences. With a worldwide player pool, Bovada provides an unparalleled gaming experience. However, it can be challenging to access Bovada without a VPN so make sure you come prepared.
Bovada’s user interface may appear outdated, but the poker action never stops once you’re in the game. For beginners, demo modes are available before diving into the cash games. Additionally, Bovada offers an extensive online masterclass in poker, complete with a vast library of video tutorials to bring you up to speed. If you’re looking to remain incognito while playing, anonymous poker is also an option. Unfortunately, Bovada lacks dedicated iOS and Android apps, but the browser-based mobile version offers a sleek interface for on-the-go play.
Bovada caters to both novice and veteran players with its extensive game offerings. The platform features a diverse selection of Texas Hold’em and Omaha tables that are frequently updated with new players. Moreover, Bovada’s tournaments have open registration games available whenever checked, providing players with plenty of opportunities to compete. With such a range of games and competitions, it’s effortless to find a table or tournament suited to your skill level on Bovada.
Poker Game Variety at Bovada: 4.7/5
Bovada is offers a multitude of tournaments for poker games. You’ll always find jackpot sit & go games available, which are widely regarded as their best tournaments. Additionally, they have an impressive selection of single table and multiple table games for various types of poker games, including Heads Up, Double Ups, Triple Ups, and more for both Texas Hold’em and Omaha. Their selection of games includes no-limit and pot limit games, as well as fixed-limit variants. Among their wide range of tournaments the Monthly Milly is our clear favorite, as it features a guaranteed prize of one million dollars.
Payment Options: 4.0/5
There are various payment options available on Bovada. You can use major credit cards such as Mastercard, Visa, and American Express to make deposits. The platform also accepts a variety of cryptocurrencies for deposits and withdrawals, which is significantly faster compared to the processing time for cash payments that may take several days. Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin, and other cryptocurrencies can be used to deposit funds. For withdrawals, wire transfers are free of charge once a month, but subsequent transactions will incur a $50 fee.
Customer Support: 4.3/5
When we started chatting to Bovada’s customer support, we were pleasantly surprised by how professional the staff were. Although other providers may have faster response times, the representatives we spoke with were well-informed regarding the payout timeframes we inquired about. While we would have liked to see a direct phone line to their staff, the live-chat function proved to be just as useful. For certain inquiries, the help forum may be a more convenient option, as it allows for discussions with experienced Bovada members and support personnel which is ideal for asking questions about strategy and approach.
Bonuses & Promos: 4.2/5
Bovada offers a signup bonus for their poker games, though it may not be as generous as some of the other bonuses listed here. Upon your initial deposit of up to $500, you’ll receive a 100% bonus which is credited to your account as loyalty points. The number of reward points required to redeem the bonus varies depending on the amount of points you have accumulated through playing cash games, paying tournament fees, and participating in sit & go tournaments. Bovada rewards long-term play over periodic bonuses, so consistent play will yield a higher return.
Bonus name Bonus amount Promo code Rollover Minimum deposit Bitcoin accepted? Poker Sign-up Offer 100% up to $500 CAWELCOME100 N/A $10 ✅ Pros:
- Online mobile browsing better than other casinos
- Lightning-fast cryptocurrency payments
- Constant tournaments with high value payouts
- Loyalty bonuses encourage long term play
Cons:
- Slow payout times for cash
3. Everygame – Great Selection Of Low Stakes Poker Games
- Payout Time: Up to 48 Hours
- Established: 1996
- License: Kahnawake Gaming Commission
- Headquarters: Antigua
Our Verdict: 4.7/5
Since 1996, Everygame has been providing poker enthusiasts with an exhilarating poker experience. Being in the business for over two decades means they have a solid reputation, and you can trust the quality of their services.
Everygame’s poker games provide a gratifying experience for seasoned players due to its lucrative loyalty program, which is accessible on both desktop and mobile platforms. The browser-based application boasts a sleek and user-friendly design, which blends perfectly with its iOS and Android counterparts. Additionally, Everygame offers a free game option for players to experiment with before diving into Texas Hold’em and Omaha cash games. Although its player base is somewhat smaller than the leading competitors on our list, we discovered that the poker room remains lively most days.
Poker Game Variety at Everygame: 4.7/5
At Everygame, you will have the opportunity to play a wide range of poker games, including No Limit, Pot Limit, and Fixed Limit games. The maximum betting limit for No Limit Texas Hold’em games is $10/$20, which may not be very high for some players, but the Pot Limit Omaha games can go up to $50/$100. In addition to the regular games, new tournaments are hosted daily with a player base of hundreds. Moreover, if you’re looking for solo play, you can also enjoy video poker and several other table games.
Payment Options: 4.0/5
Everygame offers a range of payment options to cater to different preferences. You can make deposits using various methods, including popular third-party wallets such as Skrill and Neteller, as well as through traditional bank transfers or card payments. Additionally, you can also use cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Litecoin, and Bitcoin Cash to fund your account. Cryptocurrency deposits offer several benefits, including faster withdrawal times, with Bitcoin taking up to 48 hours to process compared to up to two weeks for wire transfers. It’s worth noting that there is a weekly withdrawal limit of $2,500 for wire transfers.
Customer Support: 4.3/5
We had a satisfactory experience with the customer support service provided by Everygame. Initially, we contacted the support team via live chat to ask about payment-related queries. We had to be redirected a few times before we were connected to an appropriate support agent, but once we got in touch with the right staff, our questions were addressed effectively. Although we haven’t tested the email or phone support channels, there is an FAQ section available that you can refer to before seeking assistance from the support team.
Bonuses & Promos: 4.2/5
Everygame offers a wide range of poker bonuses that are worth considering, but it’s important to know which ones to pay attention to. The sign-up bonus is particularly generous, providing a 200% match bonus on deposits up to $500, and players have 90 days to clear the bonus funds. Additionally, Everygame offers a loyalty bonus for playing real money games, where players can accumulate Frequent Player Points that can be redeemed for cash bonuses once enough points are earned. Keep an eye on your email for occasional reload bonuses and Everygame Promo Codes.
Bonus name Bonus amount Promo code Rollover Minimum deposit Bitcoin accepted? Poker Sign-up Offer 200% up to $1,000 INSIDERS1 30x $25 ✅ Pros:
- One of the best Rakeback rates online
- Great sign-up bonuses for poker
- Fantastic mobile app
- Support staff are always online 24/7
Cons:
- Low withdrawal limits
4. SportsBetting.ag – Easy Mobile Poker Gaming
- Payout Time: Up to 48 Hours
- Established: 2011
- License: Panama
- Headquarters: USA
Our Verdict: 4.7/5
Comparing it to some of the other casinos on our list, the website design of SportsBetting.ag is slightly outdated. Nevertheless, it remains a top contender in the realm of online poker with some of the best poker action available. With over a decade of experience in providing exceptional online poker experiences, SportsBetting.ag has been under the guidance of the BetOnline group since 2016 and they’ve only gotten better since.
Realtime Gaming powers the poker games on SportsBetting.ag. We tried our hand at a few games and thoroughly enjoyed the RTG poker interface. It features a CGI rendering of a genuine poker table, complete with lifelike chips and cards that lend an authentic casino gambling experience. The platform offers numerous helpful features that can aid in enhancing your poker skills, including a history of past hands that you can review at your leisure, automated betting options that can keep you engaged even when you’re preoccupied, and play-money games that you can use to experiment with novel strategies.
In terms of the games offered, we had no trouble finding an open seat at an active table. The poker lobby consistently had between 200 and 300 players at all times, but this number can skyrocket into the thousands during major tournaments. The blinds vary from $0.05/$0.10 to $10/$20, catering to players with budgets of all sizes.
Poker Game Variety at SportsBetting.ag: 4.7/5
SportsBetting.ag has an impressive variety of games on offer, although live poker games are notably absent. Despite this, the platform more than makes up for it with its broad selection of games. While No Limit Texas Hold’em is a staple, Omaha is also well-represented. Moreover, SportsBetting.ag offers less well-known games such as 32 Card Draw, Americana, and 7 Card Stud. One of the platform’s standout features is its weekend tournaments, which come with guaranteed prize pools ranging from $20,000 to $50,000. However, before entering the weekend tournaments, players must first demonstrate their skill in one of the smaller tournaments. Daily Sit & Go tournaments, which draw consistent action, are also available.
Payment Options: 4.0/5
When it comes to handling payments, SportsBetting.ag stands out as one of the better casinos. The maximum deposit and withdrawal limits for cryptocurrencies are remarkably high, allowing you to deposit or withdraw up to $100,000 at once. Additionally, they don’t just support Bitcoin; you can use Avalanche, Binance Coin, Bitcoin Cash, Cardano, Dogecoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Ripple, Polygon, Tether, as well as other cryptocurrencies, each with a minimum limit of $20. This makes SportsBetting.ag one of the most extensive casinos when it comes to accepting cryptocurrency. Notably, payout times are pretty quick, usually taking around 24 hours. However, traditional payment options are a less favorable choice here as wire transfer withdrawals are limited to $25,000 at a time.
Customer Support: 4.3/5
The customer service department of SportsBetting.ag exhibits a considerable degree of strength in providing support to their users. Our experience with the live chat feature was quite satisfactory, as we were able to easily locate a support agent. It’s noteworthy to mention that the live chat option operates round-the-clock, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, making it a highly accessible and convenient means of getting assistance. Additionally, for those who require more detailed support or an instant response, SportsBetting.ag offers alternative contact options through email and a dedicated phone line.
Bonuses & Promos: 4.2/5
The initial deposit bonus offered by SportsBetting.ag is a typical 100% match up to $1000, but it is credited to your account as comp points in $10 increments. You can accumulate comp points by participating in tournament entry fees or contributing to the rake in cash games. This bonus is equivalent to a 33% rakeback rate, but you must use it within 120 days, or it will expire. In addition, SportsBetting.ag offers a 25% lifetime deposit bonus to reward loyal players.
Bonus name Bonus amount Promo code Rollover Minimum deposit Bitcoin accepted? Poker Sign-up Offer 100% up to $1,000 SB1000 $5 for $50 rake $50 ✅ Pros:
- Payment in over 18 cryptocurrencies
- A great range of Sit & Go tournaments
- Play on your desktop with a downloadable app
Cons:
- Other casinos have more pleasing interfaces
5. Ignition – Best Choice Of Poker Bonuses
- Payout Time: Up to 48 Hours
- Established: 2016
- License: Kahnawake Gaming Commission
- Headquarters: Costa Rica
Our Verdict: 4.7/5
Compared to some of the other casinos that feature on our list, Ignition doesn’t have the most extensive history as a poker provider. Nevertheless, it remains a compelling option for online poker players. The platform is owned and managed by Lynton Limited, and it provides players with an extensive selection of table games, sports betting opportunities, and, of course, poker offerings.
Although players hailing from the state of Maine are welcome to play in poker games provided by Ignition, it is important to note that you’ll need to access the site from a VPN for the complete experience. However, once you’ve cleared this small technical hurdle, you’ll be granted entry to a truly impressive array of poker games, alongside access to some of the most noteworthy tournaments in the online poker sphere. Novice players seeking to gain valuable experience in high-stakes cash games will find a plethora of Sit & Go tournaments to choose from, while more seasoned players can test their mettle in the illustrious Super Millions Poker Open.
Poker Game Variety at Ignition: 4.7/5
At Ignition, players can enjoy a standard variety of poker games, including Texas Hold’em and Omaha, both in Hi and Hi-Lo formats. Sit & Go games are always available, which is ideal for beginners looking to get into cash poker games. In addition, Ignition’s website offers a variety of articles and FAQs that teach both basic and advanced poker strategy, making it a great resource for players to brush up on their skills. Lightning rounds are also available for players looking for quick-fire poker games, where blinds increase every three minutes.
Payment Options: 4.0/5
When it comes to payment options, Ignition offers Bitcoin, Visa, and Mastercard. The minimum deposit for card deposits is $25, while the maximum is $1,500. However, the deposit limit for Bitcoin is increased to $5,000. Deposits are usually instant, and players can start playing almost immediately after depositing cash. Withdrawals are also fairly quick, with only a 24-hour clearing time for Bitcoin withdrawals, which also come with no fees. However, bank wire withdrawals have a minimum withdrawal limit of $1,500, so players should keep that in mind before trying to withdraw cash.
Customer Support: 4.3/5
In terms of customer support, Ignition’s a strong contender. The email support form typically responds within two hours, and support agents were polite and thorough in answering our questions. Although we would have appreciated a live chat option, we found that we were quickly connected with a representative. Additionally, Ignition’s help desk provides extensive information on the various games and policies of the casino.
Bonuses & Promos: 4.2/5
Ignition offers a relatively typical promotion for new players who sign up to the site – a poker sign-up bonus that can reach a maximum value of $1000. However, in addition to this enticing welcome offer, Ignition also distributes numerous free-rolls on a weekly basis, which serves as a means of encouraging players to continue participating on the platform. Furthermore, it should be noted that the Ignition poker sign-up bonus may be applied to a selection of other casino games that are available on the site. Please check the terms and conditions carefully to see which other games your bonus will apply to.
Bonus name Bonus amount Promo code Rollover Minimum deposit Bitcoin accepted? Poker Sign-up Offer 100% up to $1,000 N/A 25x $20 ✅ Pros:
- Offers a mobile-friendly poker site
- Sit & Go’s with high-value guaranteed prize pools
- Provides 24/7 live chat support
- Offers some of the fastest payouts in the US
Cons:
- Lacks eWallet options like PayPal
- High wagering requirements for promos
6. Juicy Stakes – Specializes In Poker For US Players
- Payout Time: From 24 to 48 Hours
- Established: 2009
- License: Curacao
- Headquarters: Curacao
Our Verdict: 4.7/5
For users in Maine seeking online poker options, our final suggestion for this list is Juicy Stakes. Although it’s not one of the largest sites in the United States, players can get access non-stop action around the clock thanks to a plethora of tournaments available to participate in.
While not boasting the largest player pool, Juicy Stakes caters specifically to US players seeking to play at an offshore casino. Unfortunately, residents of New Jersey, Kentucky, New York, Washington, Maryland, Louisiana, or Missouri are unable to join the site. Most of these states have online poker sites already, or are close to legalizing them. Thankfully, players based in Maine can register and begin playing at Juicy Stakes within minutes. Cryptocurrency enthusiasts are encouraged to participate, with several promotions available for Bitcoin deposits.
Juicy Stakes’ poker games are hosted on an intuitive HTML5 interface that provides a unique experience. If you’re dissatisfied with the traditional poker offerings on other sites like BetOnline and Ignition, it’s worth trying Juicy Stakes. Multi-table tournaments are held throughout the week, and Sit & Go games with prizes reaching $200 are also available. Occasionally, high roller games with a maximum blind of $500/$1000 can be found, appealing to players who prefer high-risk, high-reward gameplay.
Poker Game Variety at Juicy Stakes: 4.7/5
Juicy Stakes offers No Limit Texas Hold’em games that start at $0.02/$0.04 and go up to $10/$20, catering to new players who prefer low-stakes games. They also feature Pot Limit Omaha and more unconventional games such as 7 Card Stud. Sit & Go tournaments are available, with prize pools reaching $200. The tournament schedules are weekly, ensuring that players always have a game to register for at any time. Juicy Stakes also introduces intriguing tournament formats like Resurrection, Take a Break, and Lucky 3s, which are frequently updated, so it’s best to check their site for more details.
Payment Options: 4.0/5
At Juicy Stakes, payment transactions are a breeze. They accept a wide range of payment methods, including debit cards, Skrill, Neteller, Sofort Banking, and cryptocurrencies, making it stand out from other casinos. Juicy Stakes supports an impressive variety of eWallets, which is a significant advantage. The minimum deposit amount is $25, while the maximum is $5000 per transaction, regardless of the payment method. For withdrawals, Bitcoin transactions have a $2500 limit, while other methods have a $1000 limit. Juicy Stakes processes Bitcoin withdrawals quickly, typically within 24 hours, although it can take up to 48 hours in some cases.
Customer Support: 4.3/5
Juicy Stakes stands out among casinos by offering a dedicated phone line exclusively for poker. During our test, we found their live chat service to be highly responsive, connecting us promptly with a friendly and well-informed support agent who guided us through the bonus structures. Their follow-up emails were also dealt with in a timely and professional manner. If you encounter any issues, it’s reassuring to know that Juicy Stakes provides swift access to support agents.
Bonuses & Promos: 4.2/5
At a whopping 36%, Juicy Stakes boasts one of the most generous rakeback rates we’ve encountered on a poker site. Furthermore, the platform provides a rakeback calculator to allow players to determine in advance the amount of gameplay required to receive bonuses. To accelerate the clearing of this bonus, it’s preferable to engage in larger tables and avoid head-to-head games. Also, Juicy Stakes frequently launches seasonal bonuses, so players are advised to monitor the site for new promotions
Bonus name Bonus amount Promo code Rollover Minimum deposit Bitcoin accepted? Poker Sign-up Offer 200% up to $1,000 N/A 25x $25 ✅ Pros:
- Constantly updating list of tournament games
- HTML5 poker games feel fresh and new
- Specifically built for US players
Cons:
- Sometimes found the site was lacking in players
More on gambling in Maine…
Learn about all types of online gambling in Maine in our expert guides below:
FAQs
Is online poker legal in ME?
Can I legally play poker online in ME?
What is the most legit online poker site for ME?
What is the best online poker site for beginners in ME?
Comparing Poker Sites in ME
Each one of our poker site providers listed below are reputable, safe, and have a huge player pool so you’ll always be able to find some action. That said, you can check out our comparison table below to help you decide exactly which casino is best for your needs.
Poker Room Poker Bonus Promo Code Casino Poker Freerolls Qualifiers Guarantees BetOnline 100% up to $1,000 BOLCASINO 16+ ✅ ✅ ✅ Everygame 200% up to $1,000 CAWELCOME100 1+ ✅ ✅ ✅ SportsBetting.ag 100% up to $1,000 INSIDERS1 10+ ✅ ✅ ✅ Bovada 100% up to $500 SB1000 5+ ✅ ✅ ✅ Ignition 100% up to $1,000 N/A 10 ✅ ✅ ✅ Juicy Stakes 200% up to $1,000 N/A 10+ ✅ ✅ ✅ Is Online Poker Legal in Maine?
Operating an online poker site is not currently legal in Maine. There are no online poker sites operating inside the state, and there are very few casinos in Maine. Traditionally, gamblers interested in poker have had to travel to other states like New York and Massachusetts as there is only one poker room in Maine. Unfortunately, it does not look like this is going to change any time soon as there is no legislation on the books that may change this.
Although this sounds bleak, there’s a silver lining for gamblers in the state. Maine’s gambling laws specifically prosecute people who run illegal gambling operations, not those who participate in them. Home games aren’t prosecuted as long as money doesn’t change hands. Players who are looking for cash games can sign up to offshore poker sites for risk-free single table and tournament poker games without worrying about participating in illegal games inside the state. Nobody in the state of Maine has ever been prosecuted for playing online poker as it’s not a priority for law enforcement.
You will need to be over the age of 21 in order to play poker in Maine, whether you’re playing online or not. While you’re waiting for online poker to be legalized in the state of Maine, you can try out several different offshore poker sites such as BetOnline, Everygame, and Ignition.
IN Poker Laws
Here’s the most important laws you’ll want to know about while gambling in Maine:
- Indian Gaming Regulatory Act – This was one of the most pivotal acts for opening the way to casino gaming across the entirety of America. Once the act was approved in 1988, casinos were allowed to open on Indian Reservations throughout the states. Indian Reservations are administrated by the tribal groups that own the lands, which means that there are different laws for gambling. Some states are still quite strict about which games are allowed on their lands, including Maine which only allows reservations to host bingo games, horse race tracks, and slot machines at horse tracks. State residents can visit horse racing betting sites here.
- Title 17-A, Chapter 39 – This covers unlawful gaming in the state of Maine. It outlines the definitions of gambling, as well as punishments for committing illegal gambling activity in the state. These laws apply quite specifically to gambling operators within the state, meaning that players do not have to worry about being prosecuted for engaging in gambling that is covered under this law. However, this does mean that anyone running a non-legal gambling operation in the state will face the full brunt of the law.
When Will Online Poker be Legal in Maine?
The future of online poker in Maine is uncertain. It is not clear when online poker will be legal in Maine. There is no current bill proposed for this legislative session, and previous attempts to push online gambling have failed in the house or senate. Generally, Maine is not a friendly state for casino development as there are only two major casinos in the state. A third was proposed and shot down. There is some hope though, as online fantasy sports have been legalized. This has paved the way for online gaming in other states, so let’s hope it’s the same case in Maine.
Previous Online Poker Bills in ME
While Maine has several attempts at legalizing online sports gambling in the last few years, there have been relatively few attempts to legalize online poker. Maine is generally an unfriendly state when it comes to gambling, with only two legalized casinos in the city. There is much work to be done before online poker will be on the ballot in the state legislature, so watch this space for future updates.
Tax on Online Poker Winnings in ME
Gambling on online poker in the United States is legal. In fact, you will have to declare your winnings as it is taxable income. Even in states where online poker isn’t explicitly legal, you’re far more likely to get in trouble for not paying your taxes. When you play at a casino regulated in the US, your winnings are reported to the IRS but you’ll still have to include your winnings and losses when you file your tax returns. It is possible to be classified as a professional gambler to offset some of your costs, but there are several criteria you must satisfy before you’re allowed to declare your costs.
Regardless, you can offset your losses up to the value of your winnings even if you’re not a professional gambler. Most importantly, offshore casinos are not beholden to the same reporting requirements as poker sites regulated in the US. This means you need to be extra careful to declare your income, as the IRS are not previously informed of it. When in doubt, consult a professional tax accountant for advice on your situation as a gambler in the state of Maine.
Regulated Poker Sites vs Offshore Poker Sites
Although there are a few offshore poker sites out there that are truly unregulated, we do not recommend them. Each of our recommended casinos is licensed by the relevant gaming authority or commission in their relevant place of operations, meaning that you can be sure you’re playing fair games and that your money is safe when you hand it over to the cashier.
That said, there are some key differences between poker sites regulated inside the US and ones regulated abroad. The most significant one is how you get paid. US regulated casinos have a far quicker turnaround time for processing bank transfer payments, as the transfers are not occurring across national lines. Conversely, there’s little chance they’ll deal in cryptocurrency so it’s much more difficult to withdraw in Bitcoin or Ethereum.
The other issue is the player pool. In the US, online poker is regulated on a state basis, not a federal basis. This means that each state has their own laws and regulations related to online gambling which can make it an absolute nightmare to allow players to gamble online across state lines, even between two states that have both legalized online poker. This massively reduces the shared player pool by ring-fencing it. Offshore casinos do not suffer from this issue, as they allow you to play with players from across the world whenever you want.
The future of online poker in Maine is extremely uncertain. There are no upcoming proposals for legal online poker within the state. While the Multi-State Internet Gaming association, a planned shared player pool proposed by states like Michigan, New Jersey, Delaware, and Nevada, is gaining steam in states that are considering legalizing online poker, it is not likely that Maine will be joining them. As such, any proposal for future online poker sites in the state is likely to focus on a ring-fenced player pool to start with.
However, that doesn’t mean players from Maine are out of luck. There are many great offshore casinos accessible from the state of Maine that feature a world-wide shared player pool, meaning that you can play at any hour of the day against a wide range of players with different experience levels. Top casinos like Bovada, BetOnline, and Everygame have a thriving online community of poker players ready to go head-to-head in tournaments and single table games both night and day. It may be necessary to use a VPN when you’re connecting from Maine, so check with your casino provider of choice first.
How to Play Online Poker in IN
Each featured site on our list requires you to register an account before you can start playing online poker. This keeps each casino in line with licensing requirements, as well as making sure there’s no underage gambling going on. Check out our quick registration guide below for the quick steps you’ll need to take to get playing your favorite poker game with BetOnline.
Step 1: Register a BetOnline Account
Visit the BetOnline Casino website and click on ‘Join’. Enter your personal and contact information and click on ‘Create Account’.
Step 2: Verify Your Email Address
Right after completing registration, you should receive an automated email from the BetOnline team. This email welcomes you to the casino and asks you to confirm that your email address is correct by clicking on the link. Do this in order to complete this step.
Step 3: Place a DepositIn order to play online poker with real money, you must place a USD or cryptocurrency deposit. Once you’re logged into your BetOnline Casino account, click on ‘Deposit’ and select one of the available payment options. Enter the value of your payment and other information as shown on your screen.
Step 4: Access the Poker Platform
With your payment complete, you’re ready to start playing online poker. Click on ‘Poker’ on the navigation menu and choose between playing standalone games or ‘Tournaments’. You will be asked to log in once again using the same credentials.
Step 5: Start Playing Poker Online
Browse through the available games and tournaments until you find one that you wish to play. Click on it to launch it and start playing. You’ll find the appropriate rules in the game’s options and you can also set your nickname from your profile options if you wish to hide your name.
Types of Poker Games available at IN Poker Sites
Texas Hold’em is an extremely popular form of poker, but there’s a wide range of poker games out there that all have their own appeal. Texas has only been the dominant form of poker for the last few decades, with Omaha following closely behind. We’ve compiled some of the most common types of poker you’ll find in offshore casinos and live table casinos, so check out our quick breakdown of each type below to see which one will suit you best.
Texas Hold’em
It’s near impossible to go into a modern casino without finding a table for Texas Hold’em. It’s synonymous with poker, especially in America. Therefore, it’s pretty important to be familiar with the rules of the game before you start playing poker. Generally, the game is played with between 2 and 9 players, although some casinos will have a lower upper limit on the number of players. Betting occurs entirely between the players, although the house may take a “rake” (percentage of the pot) to justify the casino’s operations. Each player is dealt two private cards at the start of the game. The player to the left of the dealer pays a mandatory “small blind”, which is a bet that is half the value of the big blind. The next leftmost player pays the big blind, and then the next left player commences the round of pre-flop betting. Each player can call to the value of the big blind, or raise the bet if they have a good hand. Once this round of betting is over, the “flop” is drawn, which are three communal cards played in the center of the table. The dealer bets first from this point onwards, through another two hands where the “turn” and “river” communal card is drawn. At the end of the hand, each player who hasn’t folded shows their cards and the player with the best poker hand using any combination of communal and private cards wins the pot.
Omaha
Like Texas Hold’em, you’ll find Omaha in many casinos throughout America. There are some key differences that make it a separate experience from Texas. Instead of using two private cards, Omaha uses four private cards for each player. The betting for each round is roughly the same, so you can refer to the previous section for how the rounds play out. The biggest difference with Omaha is how the winner is calculated at the end of the game, which also informs how players bet. Anyone who’s still in at the end of the “river” betting round must choose two of their four private cards, and three communal cards from the table. This is the only way to form a winning hand in Omaha. The two cards that are chosen from the player’s hand must contribute to the winning hand, which means that it’s harder to form straights and flushes.
Five Card Draw
Five Card Draw is a significantly simplified version of poker with quick betting and a reduced number of rounds. Instead of the blinds system, each player has to contribute a small forced bet (or “ante”) into the pot if they want to play the hand. After this, the dealer hands out five private cards to each player in the round. A round of betting commences from the left of the dealer. After this round of betting is over, each player can nominate any number of cards in his hand to be discarded. The dealer takes the discarded cards and replaces them with new cards from the deck. A final round of betting commences at this point, and then each player has to show their five-card hand. The player with the best poker hand wins. Video Poker is based on this version of poker, except it is played entirely against the house.
Caribbean Stud Poker
Caribbean Stud is a fairly different type of poker from everything else in our list. It’s a ante-based game instead of blinds, so everyone needs to pay in to start the hand. The dealer deals each player five private cards, including the dealer’s hand. However, one card in the dealer’s hand is face up. Each player is only competing with the dealer, but they can’t share information about their hands. Once each player is dealt their hand, they can check it and decide whether to double their bet or withdraw from the hand. After this point, the dealer reveals their hand. If they don’t have at least an Ace-King hand, the whole round is considered void and the bet is returned. Otherwise, the player either wins and is paid according to the value of their hand or loses against the dealer and loses their bet. Some casinos play a progressive jackpot rule, where a specific hand is worth a percentage of the pot.
Poker Site Bonuses available for IN Players
Poker site bonuses are useful for weighing up which casino you’re going to go with, as some offer extremely attractive deals to attract new customers. However, it’s important to know exactly what sort of bonus you’re getting when you sign up. Check out our list of bonus types below for more info.
Bonus Type About Recommended Site Welcome Bonus - All online casinos offer a welcome bonus either as a % of the amount deposited and or free spins.
- Some sites have a no deposit bonus.
- Everygame Casino offers a fantastic welcome bonus of 200% up to $1,000.
Ongoing Promotions - Some sites give you a % back each time you make a deposit.
- Some sites offer weekly and or daily promotions
- BetOnline Casino offers a 25% on every qualifying reload.
Free Roll - Freeroll bonuses let you enter the competition for free.
- Potential of winning cash without using your own funds.
- SportsBetting.ag offers four free entries for Weekly New Player events
Comparing Sign-Up Bonuses
Casino Casino Bonus Promo code Rollover Minimum deposit Bitcoin accepted? Expiration date BetOnline 100% up to $1,000 BOLCASINO $5 for $50 rake $50 ✅ 30 Days Everygame 200% up to $1,000 CAWELCOME100 30x $25 ✅ 90 Days SportsBetting.ag 100% up to $1,000 INSIDERS1 $5 for $50 rake $50 ✅ 30 Days Bovada 100% up to $500 SB1000 N/A $10 ✅ 6 Months Ignition 100% up to $1,000 N/A 25x $20 ✅ 6 Months Juicy Stakes 200% up to $1,000 N/A 25x $25 ✅ 90 Days Making Deposits & Withdrawals at ME Poker Sites
There’s many different ways to get your money in and out of an offshore casino when you’re playing poker online. Each has their advantages and disadvantages, but here’s the main points:
Payment Method About Examples Cryptocurrencies - There’s usually less fees when you’re withdrawing in Bitcoin
- Bitcoin withdrawals are lightning fast, even the slowest clearing time is usually two days
- Cryptocurrency makes it much easier to pay and withdraw money from poker games
- Bitcoin
- Bitcoin Cash
- Litecoin
- Ethereum
Traditional Payment Methods - It’s much longer to process a money order through your bank, which can take up to two weeks
- Deposit and withdrawal in cash can incur some high fees, either flat or percentage based
- International money payments can be difficult to process and require lengthy documentation processes
- Debit cards
- Credit cards
- Bank transfers
- Payment vouchers
eWallets - eWallet vendors can use your bank account without exposing it to a third party
- Withdrawal through eWallet can take a day or two to process
- eWallets are a third way between the ease of use of crypto and the trust of spending from a bank
- PayPal
- Skrill
- Neteller
- ecoPayz
Deposit Options Available
Every casino in our list gives multiple options for depositing cash to play real money games. Paypal is not an option for online deposits, but there are various other forms of eWallet out there that you can use to deposit your cash. Most importantly, you can use cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum.
Casino Bitcoin Bitcoin Cash Ethereum Dogecoin Debit / Credit Cards Bank Transfer PayPal BetOnline ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅ ❌ Everygame ✅ ✅ ✅ ❌ ✅ ✅ ❌ SportsBetting.ag ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅ ❌ Bovada ✅ ✅ ✅ ❌ ✅ ✅ ❌ Ignition ✅ ✅ ✅ ❌ ✅ ✅ ❌ Juicy Stakes ✅ ✅ ❌ ❌ ✅ ✅ ❌ Withdrawal Options Available
Withdrawing your money from any casino can be a little more difficult than depositing it. It used to be the case that you’d have to wait weeks for a bank transfer or wire transfer to clear, but now cryptocurrency makes it way quicker to get your hands on your winnings.
Casino Bitcoin Bitcoin Cash Ethereum Dogecoin Debit / Credit Cards Bank Transfer PayPal BetOnline ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅ ❌ Everygame ✅ ✅ ❌ ❌ ❌ ✅ ❌ SportBetting.ag ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅ ❌ ✅ ❌ Bovada ✅ ✅ ✅ ❌ ❌ ✅ ❌ Ignition ✅ ✅ ✅ ❌ ❌ ✅ ❌ Juicy Stakes ✅ ✅ ❌ ❌ ❌ ✅ ❌ Playing on ME Poker Apps & Mobile Sites
Every casino that we’ve pointed out on our list has both a desktop version and a mobile portal for playing online poker games. Some have a dedicated mobile app for gambling, but all of them have a mobile-friendly website that you can browse from your phone. This helps you gamble when you’re out and about, but there are certain things you should look out for
It’s extremely important that you have a consistently good internet connection when you’re playing real money games on your mobile phone. Most casino sites have a turn of around two minutes per bet, which means that if you lose your connection for a few seconds it won’t matter that much. However, if you spend a few minutes in a spot without a connection, it’s possible you’ll lose your turn. This can be devastating if you’re in a high-stakes hand, so make sure you don’t lose your money to a bad connection.
It can also be pretty distracting to be playing poker when you’re outside because you can’t necessarily guarantee that you won’t be bothered during a game. Generally, we suggest that you find a calm environment with a good internet connection such as a coffee shop before you start playing poker on your mobile phone.
Tips for Playing Online Poker for Real Money in Maine
Poker is one of the great American past times, and as such the game has been analyzed at length. We’ve compiled our top five tips for playing poker online for real money in Maine:
- Start Small – When you’re learning how to play poker, it’s best to start off in low-stakes games. Free games are also pretty good for testing out new strategies, but players often treat free games differently because there’s no money on the line. Even a few cents per hand will force other players to take the game seriously, while still making sure you won’t go bankrupt if you play a bad hand. Getting a sense for how other players react to real-money bets is an essential poker skill.
- Pay Attention To Position – Poker is as much a game of betting and social awareness as it is statistics and odds. The last person to bet usually has the strongest position, as they are able to evaluate everyone else’s bets during that hand and decide whether or not they want to call or raise. During a full round of calls, betting big in the last position can be enough to steal the hand when your cards just aren’t that great. Conversely, the first player to bet has no knowledge of everyone else’s betting and has to make a blind decision. In this situation, it may be best to play passively unless you’ve got an unbeatable hand.
- Pay Attention To Your Opponents – You might think that online betting completely does away with the social aspect of the game and reduces poker to cold statistical betting, but that’s not the case. Even online, many poker sites allow you to chat with your opponents and get inside their head. Look out for betting patterns, especially when you’re playing in tournaments. Some players may take longer when they’re weighing up their options, which can give away vital information about their hand.
- Pay Attention To Your Bankroll – Even if you’re only playing with small amounts, it’s important to keep an eye on how much money you’ve got left in your bankroll. Keeping a disciplined hand on your balance is essential for maintaining a healthy relationship with the game, especially in tense situations. Sometimes, you need to be able to walk away when you’ve lost the money you’ve budgeted for your game instead of throwing good money after bad. Taking a break can refresh your mind, calm your nerves, and allow you to be more successful when you eventually return to the game.
- Keep Improving – Make sure you’re taking steps to improve your game. Reading about poker can help a lot, especially if you’re regularly playing games where you apply the advice you’ve been given. Playing multiple games a day will keep your mind on poker, even when you’re not playing. Mental focus is a skill that improves with exercise, so don’t be surprised if you can’t go for very long when you start playing poker. Calculating odds and reading people is more mentally taxing than you’d think, so make sure to take regular breaks.
Playing Online Poker vs Poker Live in ME
Playing poker live in the state of Maine is a little difficult, as there are currently no open poker rooms in the state. You’ll have to travel across to New Hampshire, Massachusetts, or Connecticut to play poker in person with other players. However, playing poker online is way easier and cheaper than traveling to a hotel casino and buying a room for the night. There are plenty of advantages to playing poker online, even if you miss out on some of the atmosphere of playing in a real casino.
For a start, when you play online you can get into a game within seconds. This includes tournament games, which are usually way harder to manage when you want to play a tournament in person. Playing online means you have access to thousands of poker tournaments running at any one time over hundreds of different sites. This means no more planning your schedule around a poker tournament you want to attend, playing online means you’ve got the freedom to play from anywhere at any time.
That said, you do miss out on some of the advantages of playing in person. Food service, comped drinks, and banter across the table are some of the most important things you’re missing out on. This can be a blessing in disguise, however. Advanced players can use minute tells you work out how good or bad your hand is, which can sometimes be as subtle as a slight smirk. It takes a lot of mental fortitude to keep a poker face up for hours at a time, especially in a high-stakes environment. If you’re not good at staying composed, online poker can be one of your best choices.
In fact, beginners will find it much easier to get started when playing online. Not only can you shout and pump the air when you get a great hand in the comfort of your own home, but there’s plenty of different tools you can use to get an edge in the game while you’re learning. Most sites will let you play multiple games simultaneously, so you can get exposed to more poker games quicker. Not only does this speed up the waiting period during a slow game, but being forced to work out the odds on multiple games at once will train you to innately understand how poker odds work.
You’ll also be able to keep a list of the best poker hands alongside your desk, or open in another tab for quick reference. Nothing gives away that you’ve got a good hand quicker in person than asking to see the hands list. You can also use odds calculators to tell you how likely you are to win the hand, which can help inform your betting. Stats and hand histories also gives you the chance to gauge how you’ve been doing over multiple games, which is much harder to do in person.
Live Poker in ME – Casinos With Poker Rooms
Maine is a lesser known state for real life poker, with only one major destination in the state for casino poker. However, there’s also another casino for video poker fans and plenty of proposed casinos on the way.
Hollywood Casino Hotel and Raceway’s Poker Room
- Address: 500 Main St, At The Hollywood Casino, Bangor, ME 04401-6845
- Opening hours: Currently Closed
Hollywood Casino Bangor is the premier location for poker in Maine. It’s a relatively small poker room compared to poker rooms in other American states, with only four tables running at any one time. This cozy set of tables often features Limit and No-Limit Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and 7-Card Stud. You’ll need to call ahead to find out what games are on at the time, as it very much depends on how many players are in the room and what game they’re currently playing.
Cash players will love Hollywood Bangor, as they run a variety of bonuses. This includes bad beat jackpots, high hands jackpots, royal flush payouts, and discounts for extended cash play. There’s No Limit Hold’Em tournaments every Saturday, too.You can expect free drinks, TVs everywhere you go, and a wide range of other casino games. Hollywood Casino Bangor is currently closed, but keep an eye out for when their poker room re-opens.
Oxford Casino Hotel
- Address: 777 Casino Way, Oxford, ME 04270-3163
- Opening hours: Currently Closed
Oxford Casino Hotel is the only other casino open in the state of Maine, which unfortunately does not have a poker room. However, you can expect red hot slots action, video poker, and a range of other table games from blackjack to baccarat. If you want great casino action in Maine instead of travelling out of state, but no poker isn’t a dealbreaker, the Oxford Casino Hotel is a great resort destination for some well needed rest and relaxation in between hitting the tables.
Famous IN Poker Players
Maine doesn’t have the rich history of poker that some other states in the US have, but it’s raised a couple of winning poker champions regardless.
- Matt Woodward – Matt is from Waterboro, ME. He’s the all time money list champion for Maine, with other $2.477 million in live tournament earnings. He’s been a sports player his whole life, originally as a high school football state champion, then as a lifeguard in his later life while also holding it down as a University of Massachusetts swimmer. He’s also a fairly prolific player on the WSOP circuit, once winning $76,396 for a victory in a $3,000 WSOP Circuit event in Mexico.
- Leonard Cortellino – Leonard hails from from Lewiston, ME. He’s made over $1.5 million in live tournament earnings, putting him at third place on the all time money list for Maine. His best year was 2007, where he walked away with $660,926 in one year. Over half of this is thanks to a No Limits Hold’Em event at the World Poker finals in Mashantucket, CT in November 2005.
The Best Poker Site in ME
BetOnline is undoubtedly the top choice for a poker site in ME. It boasts a long-standing reputation for reliable payouts, a diverse selection of poker game variations, and a large player base. What more could you want in an online poker site? With a 24/7 support team always available to address any concerns, you can trust that your experience with BetOnline will be secure and hassle-free. As one of the oldest online casinos we’ve found that their experience in providing online poker presents itself in every facet of their operation, from the games to their stellar customer service. The registration process for BetOnline is straightforward, and depositing funds is a breeze. When it came time to cash out our winnings in Bitcoin, the process was seamless too! Consider giving BetOnline a chance, or explore our other recommendations for the premier offshore casino providers for online poker in Maine.
Sam Dawson
Sam Dawson
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Step 3: Place a Deposit
