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Maine offers a few legalized poker gambling options for its residents. It is quite legal for residents to play real money poker in private and at licensed gambling facilities. However, the state has not legalized online poker.
This page gives Maine residents a good idea of the legalities of playing for real money at offshore online poker rooms. Besides familiarizing residents with the online poker laws in their state, this page presents a list of top-rated Maine friendly online poker rooms.
Maine Poker Laws & Statutes
Section 952(4) of Maine law supplies a very broad definition of gambling. Risking any item of value on the results of 'a contest of chance' not under one's control, based on the understanding that one will win something of value in case of a certain result, is gambling; and it is illegal unless done in state-licensed gambling facilities. Section 952(11) is quite clear that illegal gambling is an action that does not have the state's approval. Maine's law books even explain that a 'contest of chance' is any game that requires even the slightest degree of luck to win.
As for penalties, Maine tends to let off players caught taking part in illegal games lightly. But it deals harshly with companies and individuals running gambling businesses without the state's approval and license. Operators of illegal gambling outfits in Maine can get a prison term of up to 10 years and a fine of up to $20,000.
According to Section 952 (4), Maine does not consider social gambling to be illegal. Home games are legal as long as they are played in private and nobody receives a commission.
Is it Legal to Play Online Poker in Maine?
Maine's poker laws have nothing to say about the legality of playing online poker for real money. While it is illegal for operators to run online poker rooms within the state's jurisdiction, a number of offshore online poker rooms accept Maine residents. The state has absolutely no power over these offshore poker sites because they are based in foreign countries. The state does not have any specific law that prevents its residents from playing online poker for real money. Since the state lacks the required laws, it can be considered legal for Maine residents to play real money online poker. The state cannot penalize any of its residents for breaking a law that does not exist.
However, the state does not license, authorize, or permit any operator to run online poker businesses in its jurisdiction. It is, therefore, not only illegal, but also dangerous for players to play online poker at an illegal online poker site based in Maine. But they can legally play real money online poker at the online poker sites we have recommended on this page.
Can I Get into Trouble for Playing Online Poker Maine?
There is no way players can get into trouble for playing real money online poker in Maine because they are not breaking any laws. Maine has no law prohibiting real money online poker play although it does not permit operators from running online poker businesses in its jurisdiction. If Maine residents come across an online poker room that claims to be operating in Maine, they can take it for granted that it is illegal because Maine does not have the legal or regulatory framework to license and authorize poker operators to run online poker sites.
However, it is perfectly safe and legal for players to sign up at any licensed offshore online poker room that accepts Maine residents. We have presented a list of safe and legal Maine offshore online poker sites. Players will never get into trouble for playing real money online poker at these sites simply because they do not violate any of Maine's poker laws.
Legal Poker Sites That Accept Maine Players
Maine residents are increasingly asking about online poker and whether or not it is legal to play in online poker rooms. Not only is it legal, but it is fun and easy to do so. Any of the sites listed below are world renowned for their poker rooms and would be great starts for new players in Maine.
Bovada Poker - Most Trusted Online Poker Room For Maine
Speaking of world renowned, sites don't get much more recognition than Bovada. Not only has Bovada operated it's world class poker room for more than 20 years it has done so in the U.S. in just about every state for that entire two decade period. That is a long time of consistent, top notch service that only Bovada would be capable of.
One of ways that they have maintained this online poker juggernaut is by giving back to their players. They firmly believe that a happy customer is a player that will stay with a legal poker site and so far they have been right. How do they make their players happy? They give back 100% of the first deposit once you sign up at the Bovada poker room as you earns comp points by playing online. This means not only do new players win money from the games they play, but they also add to their bankroll as they play more and more games as Bovada returns their full first deposit in increments just for playing poker. It sounds too good to be true but a click on any banner or link on this site will quickly prove just how great Bovada is.
BetOnline Poker - All Maine Players 18+ Welcome Here
While many people have an enormous amount of fun playing poker, many people still primarily play it because they can make big bucks off it. Those players who really want to win big make sure to go to BetOnline. BetOnline has been called one of the most prestigious and profitable poker rooms on the web but it is also currently the official king of guaranteed tournaments.
If a player wants to play in guaranteed tournaments and wants to make bank by beating the competition then they need to go to BetOnline poker room. Each year they promise to offer at least $250,000 in guaranteed tournaments. Often times they exceed this amount by exorbitant amounts of money meaning their players win big every year. It is easy to see why BetOnline is so preferred by the poker community, after all it is hard to argue with the sheer amount of cold hard cash they offer.
| Legal Maine Poker Sites | Welcome Bonus | What To Play | Site Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bovada Poker Play / Sign Up | $1,000 FREE - 100% Match | Hold'em - Omaha Hi/Lo - Stud Hi/Lo | |
| BetOnline Poker Play / Sign Up | Maximum $1K: 200% Rate | Texas Hold'em - Omaha Hi/Lo | |
| SportsBetting Play / Sign Up | 200% Match / $1,000 Max | Texas Hold'em - Omaha Hi/Lo | |
| 5Dimes Poker Play / Sign Up | Vary Weekly - Check Website | Texas Hold'em - Omaha Hi/Lo |
Does Maine Have Legal Land-Based Poker?
Maine has a handful of commercial and Indian casinos that run poker cash games and tournaments. Residents can legally play poker for real money at licensed facilities such as Oxford Casino and Hollywood Casino Hotel and Raceway. Alternatively, players can safely and legally take part in home poker games organized throughout the length and breadth of Maine.
The law does not have anything against Maine residents playing real money poker at offshore online poker rooms. Maine residents are not breaking any law if they register at Maine friendly offshore online poker rooms and take part in online poker tournaments and ring games. The online poker sites we have mentioned are highly suitable for Maine residents. They not only accept poker players from Maine, but also give away grand bonuses and run qualifiers to prestigious live poker events. What is perfect pairs in blackjack.
Legal Land-Based Poker Rooms For Maine Players
Playing poker is legal in Maine as long as players do it in licensed gambling facilities. Since the state has nothing against social gambling, players are free to organize and take part in home poker games as long as no one makes a profit.
Maine does not penalize players even if they are caught taking part in illegal games. Owing to this, players can take part in any poker game organized in the state as they will never be considered to be in the wrong. Operators of poker games, however, need to be careful as the state does not tolerate any unlicensed gambling facilities in its jurisdiction.
Future of Poker/Online Poker in Maine
Online poker or any other form of online gambling for that matter does not appear to have a bright future in Maine. Lawmakers and the general public alike appear hostile to any proposal for gambling expansion within the state. Besides, the state has too small a population for online poker to be successful.
Maine is most likely to be one of the states that are waiting to see if legalized poker will be a success in other states. If online poker turns out to be a booming industry, the state is likely to consider forming interstate online poker compacts. As of now, Maine is least interested in online poker legalization.
Let's start by looking at the definition of gambling in Maine:
'A person engages in gambling if he stakes or risks something of value upon the outcome of a contest of chance or a future contingent event not under his control or influence, upon an agreement or understanding that he or someone else will receive something of value in the event of a certain outcome.
Gambling does not include bona fide business transactions valid under the law of contracts, including but not limited to contracts for the purchase or sale at a future date of securities or commodities, and agreements to compensate for loss caused by the happening of chance, including but not limited to contracts of indemnity or guaranty and life, health or accident insurance.' (1)
As far as this applying to poker goes, as is generally the case, it is dependant on how 'contest of chance' is defined. If contest of chance is primarily defined as a true matter of chance, then it may come down to whether poker is seen as essentially a game of chance or whether the element of skill that is involved in the game is enough to sufficiently distinguish it to have it fall outside this definition, or at least have its falling within it cast into enough doubt as to have the courts decide it may not be, which is enough.
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The reason why you see legislators strive for as much clarity as possible in the law is to exclude any such doubt, as where there is doubt, since the burden is on the law to be clear, when it isn't then it is generally found to not apply.
Blackjack steps. So let's look at how Maine defines contests of chance, to see if poker playing is a game of chance in this state:
'Contest of chance' means any game, contest, scheme or device in which:
A. A person stakes or risks something of value for the opportunity to win something of value;
B. The rules of operation or play require an event the result of which is determined by chance, outside the control of the contestant or participant; and
C. Chance enters as an element that influences the outcome in a manner that can not be eliminated through the application of skill. (2)
How This All Applies To Poker in Maine
With poker, at least with real money poker, players do risk something of value in the game, the rules do require that an element of chance be used, and while the outcome can be influenced by skill, the element of chance cannot be eliminated by skill, unless you cheated by stacking the deck of course.
So oddly enough, if you cheated completely at poker this wouldn't seem to qualify as gambling, but even cheaters do rely on some element of chance, so poker is clearly a contest of chance, and therefore is defined as a form of gambling in Maine.
To further clarify this, the section goes on to explain that the shuffling of cards, where it doesn‘t just include determining the order of play but actually forms an element of the game itself, also distinguishes it as a contest of chance, which is the case with poker. (3)
So let's move on to unlawful gambling in Maine. The law states that 'any person is guilty of unlawful gambling if that person intentionally or knowingly advances or profits from unlawful gambling activity.' (4)
This requires that players advance or profit from unlawful gambling activity, which means that 'if, other than as a player, he accepts or receives money or other property pursuant to an agreement or understanding with any person whereby he participates or is to participate in the proceeds of gambling activity. (5)
So there you have it, the law here applies to those promoting gambling and is not directed at those who merely gamble. Most states make it pretty explicit that participating in gambling is a crime, others suggest it might be but may not be clear enough on it, however in a few states, as is the case here, it's simply not a crime at all to gamble.
Playing Poker In Maine; Both Live & Online
There are two land based casinos which are in operation in the state of Maine, and only one offers poker, which is the Hollywood Casino in Bangor.(6) It only has 4 poker tables, so the action is rather limited, but still provides at least some poker action to those who crave live poker.
There are no plans on regulating poker in Maine right now, however, with their not having any restrictions on participating in gambling, this is one state where it is not really needed, as players from Maine already have full access to the several offshore poker rooms that accept Americans from select states at their online poker sites, and all warmly welcome Maine residents.
So unlike a lot of states where players are acting against some pretty clear laws against playing poker for money while being located in the state, with no such restrictions currently in place in Maine, there is no reason at all not to partake if you wish. People aren't being prosecuted in any of these other states so players really don't worry about that but it is certainly better not to have to worry about any of this at all.
Our top 2 recommendations for online poker for Maine residents are Ignition Poker and America's Cardroom. Both offer good traffic, easy deposits and withdrawals, and nice welcome bonuses just for giving them a try. If you are from Maine and are looking to play a little online poker and haven't tried one or both of these sites before, you're more than welcome to click on our links to learn more about these top poker sites.
References:
Poker Rooms In California
Is it Legal to Play Online Poker in Maine?
Maine's poker laws have nothing to say about the legality of playing online poker for real money. While it is illegal for operators to run online poker rooms within the state's jurisdiction, a number of offshore online poker rooms accept Maine residents. The state has absolutely no power over these offshore poker sites because they are based in foreign countries. The state does not have any specific law that prevents its residents from playing online poker for real money. Since the state lacks the required laws, it can be considered legal for Maine residents to play real money online poker. The state cannot penalize any of its residents for breaking a law that does not exist.
However, the state does not license, authorize, or permit any operator to run online poker businesses in its jurisdiction. It is, therefore, not only illegal, but also dangerous for players to play online poker at an illegal online poker site based in Maine. But they can legally play real money online poker at the online poker sites we have recommended on this page.
Can I Get into Trouble for Playing Online Poker Maine?
There is no way players can get into trouble for playing real money online poker in Maine because they are not breaking any laws. Maine has no law prohibiting real money online poker play although it does not permit operators from running online poker businesses in its jurisdiction. If Maine residents come across an online poker room that claims to be operating in Maine, they can take it for granted that it is illegal because Maine does not have the legal or regulatory framework to license and authorize poker operators to run online poker sites.
However, it is perfectly safe and legal for players to sign up at any licensed offshore online poker room that accepts Maine residents. We have presented a list of safe and legal Maine offshore online poker sites. Players will never get into trouble for playing real money online poker at these sites simply because they do not violate any of Maine's poker laws.
Legal Poker Sites That Accept Maine Players
Maine residents are increasingly asking about online poker and whether or not it is legal to play in online poker rooms. Not only is it legal, but it is fun and easy to do so. Any of the sites listed below are world renowned for their poker rooms and would be great starts for new players in Maine.
Bovada Poker - Most Trusted Online Poker Room For Maine
Speaking of world renowned, sites don't get much more recognition than Bovada. Not only has Bovada operated it's world class poker room for more than 20 years it has done so in the U.S. in just about every state for that entire two decade period. That is a long time of consistent, top notch service that only Bovada would be capable of.
One of ways that they have maintained this online poker juggernaut is by giving back to their players. They firmly believe that a happy customer is a player that will stay with a legal poker site and so far they have been right. How do they make their players happy? They give back 100% of the first deposit once you sign up at the Bovada poker room as you earns comp points by playing online. This means not only do new players win money from the games they play, but they also add to their bankroll as they play more and more games as Bovada returns their full first deposit in increments just for playing poker. It sounds too good to be true but a click on any banner or link on this site will quickly prove just how great Bovada is.
BetOnline Poker - All Maine Players 18+ Welcome Here
While many people have an enormous amount of fun playing poker, many people still primarily play it because they can make big bucks off it. Those players who really want to win big make sure to go to BetOnline. BetOnline has been called one of the most prestigious and profitable poker rooms on the web but it is also currently the official king of guaranteed tournaments.
If a player wants to play in guaranteed tournaments and wants to make bank by beating the competition then they need to go to BetOnline poker room. Each year they promise to offer at least $250,000 in guaranteed tournaments. Often times they exceed this amount by exorbitant amounts of money meaning their players win big every year. It is easy to see why BetOnline is so preferred by the poker community, after all it is hard to argue with the sheer amount of cold hard cash they offer.
| Legal Maine Poker Sites | Welcome Bonus | What To Play | Site Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bovada Poker Play / Sign Up | $1,000 FREE - 100% Match | Hold'em - Omaha Hi/Lo - Stud Hi/Lo | |
| BetOnline Poker Play / Sign Up | Maximum $1K: 200% Rate | Texas Hold'em - Omaha Hi/Lo | |
| SportsBetting Play / Sign Up | 200% Match / $1,000 Max | Texas Hold'em - Omaha Hi/Lo | |
| 5Dimes Poker Play / Sign Up | Vary Weekly - Check Website | Texas Hold'em - Omaha Hi/Lo |
Does Maine Have Legal Land-Based Poker?
Maine has a handful of commercial and Indian casinos that run poker cash games and tournaments. Residents can legally play poker for real money at licensed facilities such as Oxford Casino and Hollywood Casino Hotel and Raceway. Alternatively, players can safely and legally take part in home poker games organized throughout the length and breadth of Maine.
The law does not have anything against Maine residents playing real money poker at offshore online poker rooms. Maine residents are not breaking any law if they register at Maine friendly offshore online poker rooms and take part in online poker tournaments and ring games. The online poker sites we have mentioned are highly suitable for Maine residents. They not only accept poker players from Maine, but also give away grand bonuses and run qualifiers to prestigious live poker events. What is perfect pairs in blackjack.
Legal Land-Based Poker Rooms For Maine Players
Playing poker is legal in Maine as long as players do it in licensed gambling facilities. Since the state has nothing against social gambling, players are free to organize and take part in home poker games as long as no one makes a profit.
Maine does not penalize players even if they are caught taking part in illegal games. Owing to this, players can take part in any poker game organized in the state as they will never be considered to be in the wrong. Operators of poker games, however, need to be careful as the state does not tolerate any unlicensed gambling facilities in its jurisdiction.
Future of Poker/Online Poker in Maine
Online poker or any other form of online gambling for that matter does not appear to have a bright future in Maine. Lawmakers and the general public alike appear hostile to any proposal for gambling expansion within the state. Besides, the state has too small a population for online poker to be successful.
Maine is most likely to be one of the states that are waiting to see if legalized poker will be a success in other states. If online poker turns out to be a booming industry, the state is likely to consider forming interstate online poker compacts. As of now, Maine is least interested in online poker legalization.
Let's start by looking at the definition of gambling in Maine:
'A person engages in gambling if he stakes or risks something of value upon the outcome of a contest of chance or a future contingent event not under his control or influence, upon an agreement or understanding that he or someone else will receive something of value in the event of a certain outcome.
Gambling does not include bona fide business transactions valid under the law of contracts, including but not limited to contracts for the purchase or sale at a future date of securities or commodities, and agreements to compensate for loss caused by the happening of chance, including but not limited to contracts of indemnity or guaranty and life, health or accident insurance.' (1)
As far as this applying to poker goes, as is generally the case, it is dependant on how 'contest of chance' is defined. If contest of chance is primarily defined as a true matter of chance, then it may come down to whether poker is seen as essentially a game of chance or whether the element of skill that is involved in the game is enough to sufficiently distinguish it to have it fall outside this definition, or at least have its falling within it cast into enough doubt as to have the courts decide it may not be, which is enough.
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The reason why you see legislators strive for as much clarity as possible in the law is to exclude any such doubt, as where there is doubt, since the burden is on the law to be clear, when it isn't then it is generally found to not apply.
Blackjack steps. So let's look at how Maine defines contests of chance, to see if poker playing is a game of chance in this state:
'Contest of chance' means any game, contest, scheme or device in which:
A. A person stakes or risks something of value for the opportunity to win something of value;
B. The rules of operation or play require an event the result of which is determined by chance, outside the control of the contestant or participant; and
C. Chance enters as an element that influences the outcome in a manner that can not be eliminated through the application of skill. (2)
How This All Applies To Poker in Maine
With poker, at least with real money poker, players do risk something of value in the game, the rules do require that an element of chance be used, and while the outcome can be influenced by skill, the element of chance cannot be eliminated by skill, unless you cheated by stacking the deck of course.
So oddly enough, if you cheated completely at poker this wouldn't seem to qualify as gambling, but even cheaters do rely on some element of chance, so poker is clearly a contest of chance, and therefore is defined as a form of gambling in Maine.
To further clarify this, the section goes on to explain that the shuffling of cards, where it doesn‘t just include determining the order of play but actually forms an element of the game itself, also distinguishes it as a contest of chance, which is the case with poker. (3)
So let's move on to unlawful gambling in Maine. The law states that 'any person is guilty of unlawful gambling if that person intentionally or knowingly advances or profits from unlawful gambling activity.' (4)
This requires that players advance or profit from unlawful gambling activity, which means that 'if, other than as a player, he accepts or receives money or other property pursuant to an agreement or understanding with any person whereby he participates or is to participate in the proceeds of gambling activity. (5)
So there you have it, the law here applies to those promoting gambling and is not directed at those who merely gamble. Most states make it pretty explicit that participating in gambling is a crime, others suggest it might be but may not be clear enough on it, however in a few states, as is the case here, it's simply not a crime at all to gamble.
Playing Poker In Maine; Both Live & Online
There are two land based casinos which are in operation in the state of Maine, and only one offers poker, which is the Hollywood Casino in Bangor.(6) It only has 4 poker tables, so the action is rather limited, but still provides at least some poker action to those who crave live poker.
There are no plans on regulating poker in Maine right now, however, with their not having any restrictions on participating in gambling, this is one state where it is not really needed, as players from Maine already have full access to the several offshore poker rooms that accept Americans from select states at their online poker sites, and all warmly welcome Maine residents.
So unlike a lot of states where players are acting against some pretty clear laws against playing poker for money while being located in the state, with no such restrictions currently in place in Maine, there is no reason at all not to partake if you wish. People aren't being prosecuted in any of these other states so players really don't worry about that but it is certainly better not to have to worry about any of this at all.
Our top 2 recommendations for online poker for Maine residents are Ignition Poker and America's Cardroom. Both offer good traffic, easy deposits and withdrawals, and nice welcome bonuses just for giving them a try. If you are from Maine and are looking to play a little online poker and haven't tried one or both of these sites before, you're more than welcome to click on our links to learn more about these top poker sites.
References:
Poker Rooms In California
(1) 2005 Maine Code, Section 952, Definitions
(2) ibid.
(3) ibid.
(4) 2005 Maine Code, Section 954, Unlawful Gambling
(5) 2005 Maine Code, Section 952, Definitions
(6) Hollywood Casino Bangor
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