AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — Maine launched the formal process of instituting sports betting Wednesday by releasing proposed rules, but it will be months before the first wagers are placed, officials said.
The law adopted by state lawmakers went into effect in August, but the director of the Maine Gambling Control Unit said it was important to move slowly to get the rules right.
A timeline laid out by Milt Champion suggested licenses could be issued between April and January. He said he could not be more specific until the public weighs in over coming weeks.
A public hearing is scheduled for Jan. 31.
“I know this is a hot topic. I know everybody wants it out during the Super Bowl or during March Madness. But let’s face it. It’s just not going to happen” that quickly, he told reporters.
Democratic Gov. Janet Mills gave control of the mobile and online sports betting market to Native American tribes in Maine, providing an olive branch after her veto threat scuttled their proposal for greater sovereignty.
