Horse Racing in Maine – Find the Best Maine Horse Racing Betting Sites

Are you looking for the best Horse racing in Maine? Well, you’re in luck! Stick around as we unpack everything you need to know about Maine horse racing betting. From sensational welcome offers, risk-free bonuses and live betting, to handicapping, betting markets and more. We’ll also show you where to claim free bonus cash when signing up, and take you through some commonly used track terms. Your guide to horse racing in Maine starts now!

We’ve researched the best Maine horse racing platforms and narrowed them down to 10. See which option suits your playing style and register an account.

Ranking the Top 10 Betting Sites for Horse Racing in Maine

2022 seems to be a year for epic USA horse racing action, so let’s dive straight into ten of the top Maine Horse racing platforms, with a full rundown on the top five. 

1. BetOnline – Best Maine Horse Racing Betting Site
2. XBet – 50+ Local and International Tracks
3. Bovada – Live Betting and Virtual Horse Racing
4. MyBookie – Multiple Markets and Bet Types
5. BetUS – Regular Crypto Bonuses and Promotions
6. BUST – Maine Horse Racing Reload Bonuses
7. Sportsbetting.ag – 9% Horse Racing Rebate on Qualified Tracks
8. BetNow – Multiple Morning Lines for Upcoming Races
9. GTBets – 100% Sign Up Bonus for Maine Horse Racing
10. BetanySports – Cash Back Incentives on Qualified Tracks

Reviewing The Best Maine Horse Racing Betting Sites

Here are the top five platforms for horse racing in Maine. Each stands out for its range of legendary welcome bonuses, varied betting markets, top rebates and more. 

1. BetOnline – Best Maine Horse Racing Betting Site

BetOnline is a world-class, triple threat Maine horse racing betting site that includes a comprehensive sportsbook and casino. Established in 1999, BetOnline’s core racebook features include 60+ tracks, markets and odds, leading promotions, and a real-money mobile app. 

New players get a $25 Risk-Free bet on their first race as well as a daily  9% rebate on qualified tracks. This rebate also carries no cap on daily earnings. The site’s bet types include win, place and show, as well as exotics like trifecta, daily double, superfecta and more. 

BetOnline is known to display its Morning Lines up to 48 hours in advance and on the whole, tends to take a lower commission (or juice) on payouts. Additionally, the site has a strong tutorial section, where you can learn how to bet effectively, play the best odds, and similar.

Welcome Bonus Offer:

Explore BetOnline to the fullest with a $25 Risk-Free Bet. Make your first wager and if it doesn’t come out on top, you’ll receive free play up to $25.

 

2. XBet – 50+ Local and International Tracks

Xbet takes the second position on our list for the best Maine horse racing betting. The site’s leading features include around 50 local and international tracks, a range of different betting markets, some industry-leading odds and a range of regular promotions.

The site is easy to navigate and covers all the latest bet types, including top exotics. Banking options are quick, secure and include a range of digital currencies like Bitcoin and similar. 

You’ll also find a range of promotions, sign up bonuses and a 7% rebate, paid out daily on qualified tracks. New players can enjoy a first-time deposit bonus of 100% up to $500 which can be used on the racebook and other leading sports fixtures. You’ll also find Morning Lines are posted at least 24 hours before an event.

Welcome Bonus Offer:

While no direct bonuses exist for the XBet racebook, new players can enjoy a decent Sports Betting Welcome Bonus, where in exchange for a $45 minimum first-time deposit, they’ll get 100% up to $500 when using promo code “XB100”

 

3. Bovada – Live Betting and Virtual Horse Racing

Bovada’s award-winning casino and sportsbook include a dedicated platform for horse racing in Maine. The site covers all the biggest lineups and provides live betting coverage and regular morning lines for some of the most celebrated races in the world. 

Players can bet on 15+ local markets and a few international lineups, including parimutuels and some top Exotics, including exacta, trifecta, superfecta and many more. Morning Lines are posted regularly and you can also wager in real-time with the Bovada app, or wager on virtual horses 24/7 

Finally, Bovada has a choice of Sportsbook Welcome Offers that can also be used on horse racing in Maine. These include a 75% Bitcoin Match Bonus of up to $750, as well as a $250 Sports Welcome Bonus and more.

Welcome Bonus Offer:

New players will unlock a 50% bonus up to $250. This can be used on any sports lineup including the Bovada racebook, with a 5x rollover on horses. The offer can be unlocked on first-time deposits with a $20 minimum and using the code “BVD250”

 

4. MyBookie – Multiple Markets and Bet Types

MyBookie is one of the most popular and comprehensive sportsbooks in North America and an ideal destination for Maine horse racing betting. The site’s leading design, range of different markets, and multiple bonuses make it a go-to platform for Maine horse racing.  

Choose from around 40+ betting markets with future odds on local and international lineups. Wagers can be placed on a multitude of bet types, including Exotic options on superfecta, daily doubles and some top parimutuels. 

You’ll also find quick turnarounds on deposits and withdrawals, with the most popular methods including Bank Wire, ACH, Bitcoin and more. Minimum bets start at $0.5 with maximum daily payouts running from $10,000 to $40,000 and beyond. You can also get an 8% rebate on qualified horse races, paid out daily.

Welcome Bonus Offer:

Get a 10% Sign Up Bonus up to $200, where in exchange for a $45 minimum deposit and when using the promo code “200CASH”, you can earn back up to $200.

 

5. BetUS – Regular Crypto Bonuses and Promotions

And finally, BetUS, takes a number five position for top horse racing in Maine. Established in 2004, BetUS is an A-rated sportsbook, racebook and casino combo. With cutting edge platform integration, a list of leading bonuses and a comprehensive list of markets, bet types and payouts, Maine horse racing betting is easier than ever with BetUS. 

The platform’s racing lineup is easy to navigate and includes all the major parimutuel betting markets, 50+ North American and International markets, as well as Fixed Odds, Harness Racing, signature tournaments and more. The most popular bets include win, place and show, as well as some top exotics.

Betting minimums start at $1 with maximum payouts per day capped at $10,000. Platform deposits can be made through Visa, MasterCard, Bank Wire and cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. BetUS also has some of the best live horse racing betting odds, Morning Lines and bonus promotions, including Saturday Stakes, Crypto Sign Up Bonuses and more.

Welcome Bonus Offer:

You can unlock a range of sports bonuses (both crypto and fiat) with a horse racing component. A $20 first-time deposit will unlock a 125% Sign Up Bonus up to $3125 when using promo code “JOIN125”

More on gambling in Maine…

Learn about all types of online gambling in Maine in our expert guides below:

• Maine Sports Betting
• Maine Real Money Online Casinos
• Maine Online Poker
• Maine Online Gambling

Comparing The Best Sites for Betting on Horse Racing Maine Has To Offer

It’s time to drill down and compare the best Maine Horse Racing Betting Sites. From their range of different odds and markets to their top features Welcome Offers and more. Which Maine horse racing platform should you be siding within 2022? 

Horse Racing Odds

Odds are by far the most important consideration for Maine horse racing betting. Sites with the best odds tend to yield the best returns and make your bets go further. So shop around, explore different sites and see where the best odds are housed. BetOnline and Bovada tend to deliver better odds on average, more frequently. They also take lower cuts on bets.  

Horse Racing Betting Markets

Main horse racing sites should always have a wide selection of tracks and betting markets. Having a variety of markets on hand is vital for making the right decisions, playing the best allocations and trying different bets types on local and international tracks. We’ve found that XBet, MyBookie and BetUS have some of the best variety, including lines on 50+ global tracks, and around 20+ different bet types.  

Live Horse Racing Betting

Live Betting is a strong value add for Maine Horse Racing Betting Sites. Players can opt to bet live at major events like the Kentucky Derby or Belmont Stakes and structure their positions in real-time. Both Bovada and MyBookie have betting portals available on qualified tracks. Odds will be presented live, with Morning Lines and favorites marked 24 hours in advance. 

Horse Racing Betting Promotions

Always look for sites with the widest range of promotions and incentives. Scroll through Maine horse racing sites and look for Cash Back Incentives, Weekly Reloads, Free Bets, Loyalty incentives and tournament prizes. The more you have on offer to bulk up your bankroll and make your bets go further, the better. Bovada has a $1000 Sign Up Bonus and multiple crypto match deposits while BetOnline tends to have lower rollover requirements.

Special Features for Horse Racing

Always be on the lookout for special platform features. These might include tutorials, glossaries and betting guides for Maine horse racing as well as helpful handicapping tools, betting markets, promotions and more. Find sites with the highest rebates and be sure to try out their app integration for wagering on the go. BetOnline gets first place for their range of offers, cash backs and 9% daily rebates. 

Horse Racing Welcome Bonus

Look for the sites with the strongest Welcome Bonuses. These usually take the form of match deposits, where the bigger the welcome offer, the more you stand to get back. Special mention goes to BetUS and their 125% Sign Up Bonus for new players.

User-Friendly Design

Look for sites with easy navigation, visible lineups and fast page speeds. BetOnline and MyBookie both have top-notch user interfaces, with visible categories, a clear user interface and an eye-catching design. They’re also fast loading with decent mobile integration. 

Live Streaming

Live Streaming is an excellent way to watch the action unfold in real-time.  When it comes to Live Racing streaming, Bovada has some of the better integrations on the market. Their live streaming capability is fast and intuitive, with all the biggest racing lineups aired in real-time.

How to Choose the Best Maine Horse Racing Betting Sites

Before you register an account for horse racing in Maine, scroll through your chosen site and ensure that the below features are clearly represented on site.  

Brand Recognition

As a general rule, find the platforms that advocate security, transparency and proven turnaround on payments. Make sure your racebook is a fully licensed betting entity and its betting markets and odds are in direct line with global industry standards. 

Payment Methods

Leading horse racing sites in Maine will have various deposit/withdrawal options available to players. These can include anything from Bank Wire, Visa and MasterCard payments, to cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, LiteCoin and others. Read industry reviews to ensure that payouts are fast and reliable and come with fair transactional fees. 

Safety & Security

Having the best safety and security should be a Maine horse racing betting site’s top priority. It helps to go through a site’s interface to better understand how seriously they take security. Be on the lookout for SSL certificates, 2FA, password protection and licensing agreements. 

Speed & Design

Side with sites that are fast loading, easy to navigate, and clearly display important information. Avoid lagging sites at all costs and pay special attention to mobile compatibility. 

Customer Service

When trying out a new Maine horse racing platform, take note of their customer support capability. Do they have live chat functionality and are they available around the clock, Monday to Friday for urgent enquiries. 

Overall Value

Maine horse racing betting sites should have all of the above and more. Check out the chart below for a quick reminder on what to look out for when siding with a Maine horse racing site.

Horse Betting Guides State by State

Maine Horse Racing Betting Guide – How to Bet on Horse Races in Maine

It can be tricky knowing where to start, so to help you along the way, we’ve put together a brief guide to the different betting structures, odds, markets and offers you’ll come across. 

Check Out Our Popular Horse Racing Guides

How Does Horse Racing Betting Work in Maine?

Horse racing in Maine follows a universally accepted betting structure. First, choose your race and your contending horse from the Morning Line provided. Then, decide on your bet type (win, place, show, trifecta etc.), and study the odds. After that, place your bet.

Maine Horse Racing Betting Explained

We’ll take you through the information on the  Maine horse racing betting lineup below so that you can make an informed decision the next time you’re wagering online.

The Win, Place and Show boxes indicate the races given bet types. At this point, all you need to do is enter the amount you wish to wager and select the “Add to Bet Slip” option. 

The “ML” or Morning Line column to the far right will show you the day’s running odds. Remember to review these odds from time to time as they may change. You can work out your overall returns by analyzing the  Morning Line. For example, a 3-1 bet means that for every $1 staked, you’ll stand to win $4 (or units) on a given race.

ME Horse Racing Betting Odds

BetOnline and Bovada have some of the most competitive odds in the industry, as well as XBet, MyBookie and BetUS. BetOnline leads the pack in terms of its multitude of markets, while  XBet’s international lineups set the pace. The best returns can only be generated from the best odds. Try mixing up your betting strategy. Run some safe wagers, and gravitate to risker wagers as your betting knowledge develops and your confidence grows.  

Below are the three types of betting odds that you’re most likely to come across. 

Fixed Odds for Horse Racing Betting in Maine 

These are the odds you’ll get as advertised by the betting operator and/or racebook. Bettors will place wagers at a set price, also known as a Starting Price (SP), and depending on the day, these fixed odds can move up or down at the discretion of the operator. 

Pari-Mutuel Betting in Maine

A common betting style in all the biggest Maine horse racing betting sites. Pari-mutuel wagers are tallied up and awarded as dividends at the end of a race. Bettors will bet into a pool and win a portion of the takings if the bet comes through. Payouts are divided up and compensated based on the number of people who wagered on the same result. 

Pool Betting on Maine Horse Races

Similar to pari-mutuel betting but with one key difference. In Pool Betting, the coinciding odds are preset by the bookmaker/site operator. Pool bets are common for exotic bets. 

What Are the Different Types of Horse Racing Bets

The best Maine horse racing betting sites will tie their offering in with industry-leading standards. Below are the most common horse racing bet types, both locally and abroad. 

Win

A Win Bet is a wager made on the overall winner of a race. If your horse wins, you’ll get paid out accordingly in relation to your bet. 

Place

A single bet is made on whether your horse will cross the finish line in 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place respectively. These bets have smaller payouts compared to win bets.

Show

A bet made on whether your horse will finish anywhere in a top-three position (i.e 1st, 2nd or 3rd place). You’ll automatically lose the bet if your horse finishes “Off the Board”, i.e not in the top 3.

Exacta

For an Exacta bet to be won, you’ll need to correctly pick two horses (runners) to come in 1st and 2nd, and in the correct order. 

Trifecta

Trifecta bets are won when you correctly pick three horses (runners) to come in 1st,  2nd, and 3rd, and all in the correct order. 

Superfecta

Similar to the above, a Superfecta is won when four horses (runners) are correctly picked to come in 1st,  2nd,  3rd and 4th, all in the correct order. 

Daily Double

A well-known pari-mutuel wager on most Maine horse racing platforms. This bet is won when you pick the winner in the first two opening races of a race day or competition. 

Pick 3/4/5/6

Here, wagers are made on consecutive clusters of races. To win a Pick 3, you’d need to correctly predict the winners of 3 consecutive races, 4 consecutive races for a Pick 4, etc.

The table below highlights each betting type’s minimum betting costs.

Maine Horse Racing Betting Terms

Whether you’re a seasoned expert or brand new to the world of horse racing in Maine, there are a variety of key horse racing betting terms that can come in handy as a guide or reminder. 

Ante-Post

A bet placed prior to the day of the race, i.e a bet made in advance. 

Drifter

The odds on a particular horse that climb higher prior to the start of a race. 

Dead Heat

When two (or more) horses cross the finish line at the exact same time

DQ

A disqualified horse

Dutch

Backing multiple horses on one race, usually with contrasting bet types (i.e a Win and a Lay) 

Exotic Bet

A group of horse racing wagers, includes I.e Exacta, Trifecta, Superfecta, Daily Double etc. 

Favorite

The horse most likely to cross the finish line first

Furlong

A measurement of distance equal to 1/8th of a mile. 

Lay

A bet made on a horse to not win the race. I.e the opposite of backing a horse

Longshot 

A horse which not seen as a strong contender to win

Morning Line

An early estimate of what the odds on each horse will be, posted before a race begins

Odds

The return you stand to win in relation to your wager. 

Pari-Mutuel

Bets of a particular type are placed into a pool and distributed evenly amongst the winners. 

Stake 

The amount of money that a player will bet on a horse

Rhode Island Horse Racing Betting Calculator

When calculating the overriding betting odds for Maine horse racing, the key thing to know is that almost all racebooks will handle the calculations for you. At the end of a race, your active wagers will be tabulated and your rate of returns displayed on your betting slip. 

The biggest Maine horse racing betting sites deal in pari-mutuel wagers, meaning you’ll never really see the final odds until the race has finished and all bets are in. Most Maine horse racing sites deliver Morning Line odds 24 hours in advance so that you can place bets prior to the race. 

Below is a quick guide for calculating your universal rate of return on betting odds. 

How To Calculate Horse Racing Betting Odds

Before a race, bookmakers will assign fixed odds to different sets of horses, with some marked as favorites and others, longshots. To calculate the overall rate of return, you’ll need to subtract your potential take from the total betting pool. Then, subtract the amount bet on your horse and this will give you the total amount of cash that will be paid out per wagger.

Rhode Island Horse Racing Odds Chart

The below table details all the major Maine horse racing odds you’re likely to come into contact with. These include overriding odds and the implied winning percentage.

Maine Horse Racing Tracks

Is there a horse racing track in Maine? Scarborough Downs horse racing was by far the most well-known harness racing track in Maine, but it held its last race in 2020, before going out of commission. These days, Maine horse racing tracks are not as common as they once were, with the most notable being the Bangor Raceway.

Bangor Raceway – 100 Dutton St, Bangor, ME 04401

Located in Bangor, Maine, the Bangor Maine horse racing track is known to have some of the best harness horse racing around. Maine horse racing enthusiasts can head to the track for an action-packed schedule and some leading amenities including bars and restaurants, slow lounges and more. You can also stay the night at the Bangor hotel and try your hand in its casino. 

The History of Horse Racing In Maine

Please refer to the below table for a short history of horse racing betting in Maine.

Maine Horse Racing Schedule 2023

To date, the Maine horse racing schedule has not been published for upcoming horse racing at the Bangor Raceway. Racing action is scheduled to go live again as of May 2022, with parimutuel harness racing running up until December 2022.

Comparing Betting At The Racetrack With Online Horse Racing Betting

Betting in person, while no doubt enjoyable, does have a few challenges. For starters, you’re always limited to the day’s calendar, getting to the track can be a mission, and the races themselves end all too soon. 

These days, the Maine horse racing community opts to go digital. With online gambling, wagers can be made anywhere, anytime. Add in cutting edge mobile integration, top promotions and a 50+ leading markets, and you’re sure to see why.

Check out the below table for a better idea of the pros and cons of wagering online or in-person.

General Terms and Conditions at Horse Racing Betting Sites in Maine

Please be aware of the terms and conditions when wagering online, redeeming a promotion or depositing funds at leading Maine horse racing betting sites. 

Rollover Requirements

Most Maine horse racing sites will have Rollover Requirements. These are the wagering criteria, set in place by the house, that must be met before an offer can be redeemed. The below table will show the rollover requirements for each of our ten horse racing sites in Maine. 

Maine Horse Racing Betting Bonuses

The best horse racing sites in Maine will have their own array of top promotions, leading rebates, loyalty incentives and welcome offers. Below are some of the most common. 

Welcome Offer

Any site worth its fighting weight will have an industry-leading welcome offer that new players can unlock in exchange for a first-time deposit. These sign up bonuses usually take the form of Match deposits (i.e 100% up to $1000) where you’ll need to wager the full bonus amount (or more) as a rollover requirement. 

Loyalty Levels

The racebook will reward you for playing on-site with a range of different incentives, depending on your level and frequency of play. At the end of the month, these players’ points or loyalty levels can be redeemed for free bets, Top Ups, Cash-Backs and similar. 

Rebates

Most rebates are paid back to you regardless of whether your bet wins or loses. Rebates vary from around 7% to 9% and are usually paid out daily. For the most part, there is usually no limit on how much you can earn when redeeming Maine horse racing rebates. 

Enhanced Odds

On certain promotions and in build-ups to signature race days, a platform may increase its betting odds. During the promotion, you’ll stand to win more money in relation to your wager. 

Money-Back

Common in most major racebooks, Money-Back promotions return a certain portion of your wager, according to the outcome of the bet. The most common for Maine horse racing sites would be for your stake to be returned to you if your Win bet finishes 2nd or 3rd. 

Virtual Horse Racing Betting in Maine

In the build-up to live races you can also try your hand at virtual horse racing lineups available on selected sites like Bovada, MyBookie and others. These simulated races run every few minutes, ensuring there’s always a market to bet on, a wager to be made and a race to be won. 

Maine Horse Racing Betting Apps

Play on the go with leading Sports Betting mobile apps. Easy to use, quick to download and with all the best features you’ll find at world-class Maine horse racing betting sites.  

Maine Horse Racing Betting Apps for iPhone

Access all the best Maine horse racing action straight from your iPhone. When it comes to leading apps, Bovada comes out on top of the competition. Its leading iOS integration, real-money wagering and list of promotions for mobile make it a top contender. BetOnline also has a great Maine horse racing app for iPhone.

Maine Horse Racing Betting Apps for Android

When it comes to Android horse racing betting, two top contenders are Bovada and BetOnline. By and large, these platforms tend to have the best mobile performance, navigation and betting lines and can be downloaded directly from Google Play or onsite. 

How To Start Betting on Horse Racing Sites In Maine

You’re officially ready to start wagering on horse racing in Maine. Now all that’s left to do is register your account at any leading Maine horse racing site. Here’s how to get started. 

Step 1: Create your account

Head over to your preferred Maine horse racing site (we’ll use XBet). In the top corner of the home screen select the “Join Now” button and fill in a few details including your date of birth, email address, password and the region you’re logging in from.

Step 2: Head over to the Racebook

Navigate to the Racebook,  which is usually found on the top bar of the homepage, or under the main sign up button as a stand-alone category

Step 3: Navigate through to your ideal race

Navigate through the dropdown list and select your preferred race from the site’s 50+ local and international tracks and markets. Click on the race to see its coinciding bet types.

Step 4: Place Your Bets

After selecting your race, you’ll see the running odds displayed below the event. Enter your stake next to your favorite horse and confirm the bet by clicking on “Add to Bet Slip ”.

Step 5: Monitor Your Bet 

Sit back and monitor your bet to see if your horse comes out a winner. You can log off and revisit the site at a later stage where your wins and losses will be displayed in your Bet History.

Other Types of Gambling in Maine

If you feel like taking a break from Maine horse racing betting, you can head over to one of two land-based locations with a live casino offering, namely the Oxford Casino and the Bangor Casino in Maine. Here you’ll find a choice of top slots as well as tables like blackjack, roulette, poker and more.

You can also take part in off-track betting for sportsbooks and horse racing across a number of different in-state locations, as well as take part in casual poker, and licensed lotteries. 

What is the Best Site For Horse Racing Betting in Maine?

While the competition is fierce, we’ll be giving overall props to BetOnline as our best destination for Maine horse racing betting. The site ticks multiple boxes for exceptional Maine horse racing, including their intuitive interface and core navigation, multiple deposit and withdrawal options, 50+ betting markets, as well as regular promotions and leading welcome bonuses. 

FAQs

Is horse racing illegal in Maine?

Horse racing is legal in Maine, both in-person and off track, but currently not online

Is there harness racing in Maine?

Yes. Harness racing is legal in Maine, with the most popular venue being the Bangor Raceway.

Is there horse racing betting in Maine?

Yes. Horse racing bets can be placed in Maine, either at the track itself or at off-track betting locations.

Can you bet at Scarborough Downs, Maine?

No. Scarborough Downs is permanently closed and had its last racing event in November 2020

Does Maine have live horse racing?

Yes. Live harness horse racing can be enjoyed at the Bangor Raceway