License Name
Maine Gambling Control Unit Gambling License
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Issuing Country/Region
United States, State of Maine
Regulatory Body
Maine Gambling Control Unit (Department of Public Safety)
Types of Regulated Games
Casino table games, slot machines, advance deposit wagering, sports wagering (retail and online/mobile), charitable games (beano, bingo, card games, games of chance), fantasy contests
Market Coverage
Local
Regulator's Reputation
Good
Legal Entity Requirements
Applicant must register as a business entity in Maine
Directors and Shareholders Requirements
Criminal and background checks required for key personnel and significant owners
Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Requirements
Compliance with AML under federal statutes for operators and vendors
Reporting Requirements
Regular financial and operational reports, monthly for operators, as specified by license type
Audit Requirements
Regular audits and inspections by the Gambling Control Unit
Software Certification Requirements
Slot machines and related equipment must be tested and approved by the Board
RNG Certification
Yes, for slot machines and electronic games
Payment System Requirements
No cryptocurrency permitted for gambling payments
Server Location Requirements
Primary online/mobile betting servers must be physically located in Maine
Domain Name Requirements
No specific requirements found
Language Support Requirements
No specific requirements found
Currency Support Requirements
USD
Background Checks
Criminal and suitability background checks required for licensees and key employees
License Scope Restrictions
Online casino games (slots, roulette, blackjack) are prohibited; only advance deposit wagering, sports, fantasy, and limited charitable computer-based games permitted
Jurisdictional Tax Compliance
Tax on gross gaming revenues applies; sports betting taxed at 10% of revenue for tribes (see below)
Player Data Storage Requirements
Data storage on Maine servers for online/mobile wagering
Cross-Border Operations
No, all wagering activity must physically occur within state borders
License Application Transparency
Applications require comprehensive disclosure and are subject to review
Regulatory Contact Point
Gambling Control Unit, Department of Public Safety
Compliance Officer Requirement
Yes, dedicated compliance oversight expected for operators
Local Partnership Requirements
Online/mobile sports betting limited to partnerships with federally recognized Maine tribes
Legal Dispute Resolution
State administrative/judicial review processes
License Transferability
License transfers require regulatory approval
Sub-Licensing Rules
No sub-licensing permitted
License Cost
Casino operator license: $225,000 application fee; sports betting (tribal mobile): $200,000 for four years
Annual Fees
Casino operator renewal $80,000; sports betting $200,000 every four years
Income Taxes
Sports betting 10% tax on revenue for tribes
Player Winnings Taxes
Withholding tax obligations according to federal/state law
Financial Guarantees
Bank guarantees required for casinos and gaming operators; amounts set by Board
Financial Reporting Requirements
Monthly and annual financial reporting as required by license conditions
Application Processing Time
Timelines vary; detailed applications and vetting processes required
Required Documents
Business entity application, criminal background check, financial records, compliance documentation, business plan, local municipality approval for games of chance
Business Plan Requirements
Required for all operators
Internal Policy Requirements
AML, KYC, responsible gaming and internal control policies required
Testing Requirements
Third-party lab certification for slot machines and gaming systems
Certification Requirements
All slot machines and electronic games tested and certified prior to approval
Staff Qualifications
Key employees must demonstrate suitability and experience; background checks required
Physical Office Requirements
Casino licenses require a physical premises in Maine; online/mobile operators must have a registered office in-state
Local Representative Requirements
A responsible local contact required for operational licenses
Marketing Restrictions
All casino and sportsbook advertising, marketing, and promotional materials must be submitted to the Board 30 days prior for review; false or misleading advertising prohibited
Responsible Gaming Measures
Gambling addiction warnings and hotline information must be posted at casino facilities
Self-Exclusion System
Yes, operators must implement and enforce self-exclusion programs
Age Verification Procedures
Minimum gambling age is 21 for casino and sports betting; 18 for charitable gaming
KYC Procedures
Comprehensive KYC and customer due diligence required
Customer Support Standards
No specific requirements for languages found
Complaint Handling Procedures
Operators must implement complaint and dispute resolution policies
Player Funds Protection
Player funds segregation in compliance with Board rules
Payout Timelines
No specific statutory requirements found
Bonus and Promotion Regulations
Promotions and bonuses for sportsbooks may not be advertised on television, only on app or site; Board controls the scope of permitted promotions
Permitted Games List
As authorized by statute and the Gambling Control Unit; casino slot machines, table games, pari-mutuel wagering, advance deposit wagering, fantasy sports, and certain charitable games
Betting Limits
Slot machine caps and table game limits as set by Board
RTP Requirements
Not specified in publicly available materials
Jackpot Regulations
Board oversight for progressive and other jackpots
Live Game Requirements
Not specified in statutes; applies to permitted table/card games
Mobile App Compliance
Mobile sports betting permitted, but must comply with server and operation limits
Affiliate Program Rules
Affiliate marketers for sports betting must be licensed as suppliers
Security Standards
Compliance with state and federal gaming system security
Encryption Requirements
Cyber liability and errors & omissions insurance required for sportsbook operators; data security controls must be implemented
Backup Requirements
Not specified
Monitoring Systems
Continuous regulatory monitoring and auditing of casino and sportsbook activities
Operation Logging
Mandatory under GCU procedures
Anti-Fraud Systems
Operators must implement and document anti-fraud programs
API Integration Standards
Not specified
Hosting Requirements
Online/mobile sports betting servers must be hosted in Maine
CDN Usage
Not specified
Scalability Requirements
Not specified
Uptime Requirements
Not specified
Technical Support Availability
Licensee responsible for maintaining operational support
License Duration
Casino license and sports wagering license (mobile): four years, renewable
Renewal Procedure
Application for renewal with payment of renewal fee, demonstration of ongoing compliance
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Fines, license suspension, or revocation for violation of statutes or Board/Unit rules
Ownership Change Rules
Changes in ownership subject to Board approval and background review
Mergers and Acquisitions Rules
Governed by Board approval and suitability review
Subcontractor Regulations
Key suppliers and service providers must be licensed
Branding Requirements
No specific requirements found
Intellectual Property Protection
Protected under general US/Maine law
Dispute Arbitration
State judicial and administrative proceedings
Insurance Requirements
Cyber liability and errors & omissions insurance for sportsbook operators, with specified minimums
Charity Contributions
Only required for charitable gaming licensees
Staff Training Requirements
Operator staff must be trained in compliance and responsible gaming
Innovation Support
Not specified
Sustainability Initiatives
Not specified
Accessibility Standards
Not specified
Multilingual Support
Not specified
Cryptocurrency Support
Not permitted for gambling payments
Esports Betting Regulations
Not specified
Fantasy Sports Regulations
Fantasy contests authorized under 8 MRSA Chapter 33, overseen by GCU
Official Address
45 Commerce Drive, Suite 5, Augusta, ME 04333
Postal Address
87 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333
Fax Number
(207) 287-4356
Online Application Portal
https://www.maine.gov/dps/gcu/sports-wagering/sports-wagering-applications-forms
Work Hours
Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM Eastern Time
Departments
Licensing, Auditing, Inspections
FAQ Question 1
What is Maine Gambling Control Unit Gambling License?
FAQ Answer 1
The Maine Gambling Control Unit Gambling License authorizes operations and oversight for casinos, sports betting, charitable gaming, fantasy contests, and advance deposit wagering in Maine. The Unit regulates licensees for compliance, suitability, and responsible gaming.
FAQ Question 2
Which jurisdiction issues Maine Gambling Control Unit Gambling License?
FAQ Answer 2
The Maine Gambling Control Unit, a bureau within the Department of Public Safety of the State of Maine, United States, issues this license.
FAQ Question 3
What is the cost of obtaining Maine Gambling Control Unit Gambling License?
FAQ Answer 3
For casino operators, the application fee is $225,000 with an $80,000 annual renewal fee. For tribal mobile sports wagering, the cost is $200,000 for four years, with commercial partners paying $40,000.
FAQ Question 4
What are the main requirements for Maine Gambling Control Unit Gambling License?
FAQ Answer 4
Main requirements include entity registration in Maine, comprehensive background and criminal checks for key personnel, local server location for online/mobile wagering, AML and responsible gaming policies, certification of gaming systems, compliance with reporting/auditing/advertising restrictions, and the implementation of social responsibility and player protection programs.