Maine’s First In-Person Sports Betting Bar to Open in Portland

Maine will soon have its first in-person sports betting bar in Portland after city council leaders approved the liquor license of First Track Investments LLC on Monday.

Oddfellahs is set to become the first in-person sports betting bar in Maine

The applicant also operates the Portland Regency Hotel. According to Portland Food Map, the new sports bar will be called Oddfellahs. Construction is currently underway at 55 Market Street.

While some residents are thrilled, one Portland City Council member is not.

“I’m not opposed to sports betting I just think we need to be thoughtful and deliberate about how we introduce that to Portland,” said Portland City Councilor Kate Sykes. Sykes was the only councilor to vote against the liquor license for the bar, in efforts to slow down its opening.

“How would that impact local business? How will that impact the financial wellbeing of people in the city?” said Sykes, addressing common concerns from other business owners in the area.

Maine first launched legal sports betting on Nov. 3, 2023. Residents began placing bets via two mobile platforms contracted by the tribes. DraftKings, headquartered in Boston, operates for the Passamaquoddy Tribe.

Nevada-based Caesars Entertainment is also partnered with three Wabanaki Nations: the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, the Mi’kmaq Nation, and the Penobscot Nation.

Sports bar still needs state approval to operate

Although Portland City Council approved the liquor license, it’s up to the state, not the city, to approve licenses for in-person sports betting. It’s one key point that continues to confuse local residents.

“Here we go again delving into state matters,” said Mayor Mark Dion during Monday night’s city council meeting. “Licensing for gambling is between the state and the applicant.”

However, cities can create ordinances about where betting locations could be allowed. Portland City Council hopes for increased tax revenue. Sykes also wants to confirm whether or not the city can profit from retail gambling.

“If the state is looking at this as a revenue generating source, how does Portland benefit from that? And how can we use that?” said Sykes.

Gamblers are open to the idea of a sports bar with live betting

The bar owner did not respond to WGME CBS 13 News for an interview. Though, the individual said at Monday’s council meeting that state approval for the gambling license is still needed.

Despite the establishment still needing state approval, some sports betters say they’re excited about the possibility of the new bar. An in-person sports bar with live betting is intriguing to a few local residents.

“I’ve never been to a sports bar that does live betting, I’ve never even heard of the concept before,” said Ian Nagle, who places sports wagers online, in an interview with WGME CBS 13 News. “But I would definitely go and check it out.”

Maine is one of 38 states, including all those in the Northeast, that allow sports betting.