Mainers set to bet big on Superbowl 58 as sports betting takes off
Betting on the Big Game: sports betting has not been legal for long in Maine but folks finally get to bet on America’s biggest sporting event.
This year, Mainers can now bet on the Superbowl 58. Sports betting became legal in our state in November. In the first two weeks, Mainers wagered more than $12 million dollars.
Shane McInerney says he’s been betting for the last decade in other states and can’t wait for Sunday night. His strategy: bet on what you know.
“So, teams that you’re a fan of, sports that you’re a fan of, I wouldn’t advise going into different sports that you don’t really know, and don’t know the players,” said McInerney.
For Sunday’s game, betting looks a little different. There’s a lot more options to wager on.
Prop bets are offered through both of Maine’s sports books. Those are bets on anything other than the score of the game, including people not on the field.
“This week for instance you’ll see a lot of the Taylor Swift stuff and things like that,” said McInerney. “And as a seasoned gambler, I could never recommend getting into exotic props.”
Sports betting is still new in Maine and the state offers a relatively low 10 percent tax rate: the amount you pay on your winnings.
Compare that to Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut and New Hampshire where Maine is the lowest.
Something bettors are excited by as the state’s four tribes make efforts to expand gambling rights.
“The expansion in Maine is going to be something to look forward to because of the tax rates we have,” said McInerney.
Despite the excitement, Maine Gambling Control Unit Executive Director Milton Champion says sports betting has been relatively quiet lately.
“We were a little bit worried since other states have claimed a significant increase in calls to problem centers and we just haven’t seen it here,” said Champion.
He says only 8 percent of the state’s population age 21 or older are actually wagering.
“It’s not a big number but people are enjoying it,” said Champion. “It’s kind of nice. Mainers are behaving!”
Champion says it’s important to create your own limits and to never “chase a win.”
If you or someone you know may have a problem with gambling, contact 211-MAINE or 1-800-GAMBLER.
