Maine’s First Retail Sportsbook Suspends Betting Following License Denial
February 7, 2025 Marija D
Maine’s first retail sportsbook, has been forced to halt all sports betting operations after state regulators denied its application for a permanent gambling license. The Maine Gambling Control Unit (GCU) rejected the sportsbook’s request in January, causing its temporary license to expire. The decision leaves the business unable to accept wagers during a crucial betting period.
Temporary License Expires Following Denial
Oddfellahs initially opened in September in Maine with a temporary license while the state evaluated its request for a full “facility sports wagering license.” Management expected a smooth transition to full approval, but the GCU ultimately declined the application, requiring the business to cease operations.
“Five months into it, I think we’ve been very successful from day one, and now we’re in the hands of the state,” said David Moran, the sportsbook’s general manager.
Moran explained that the denial came as a surprise since they had remained compliant with state regulations. “As things progressed, the last few months, we really weren’t thinking about that,” he said. “We just continued to operate as normal because we were compliant with the state and operating and following the rules.”
Regulatory Restrictions Prevent Approval
Under Maine’s sports betting laws, only casinos, commercial tracks, or off-track betting facilities qualify for facility sports wagering licenses. While Oddfellahs’ owner, Michael Cianchette, operates a licensed harness racing track in Cumberland, the state determined that the Portland-based sportsbook does not meet the requirements.
According to an official decision obtained by 8 Investigations, the GCU denied the application because Oddfellahs itself does not function as a commercial track.
“This is uncharted territory for us, as well as the state,” Moran stated. “So, hopefully, we can find a solution together.”
Appeals Process Underway
Cianchette and his team have invested significant time and money in pursuing the licensing process. Following the GCU’s decision, they filed an appeal, but their initial challenge was unsuccessful. They are continuing efforts to reverse the ruling, though the legal process remains uncertain.
The Department of Public Safety, which oversees the GCU, has refrained from commenting on the case due to ongoing litigation.
Source:
”Maine’s only in-person sportsbook pauses wagers after license denial”, cdcgaming.com, February 03, 2025.
