Maine Horse Racing Betting Sites

Maine Online Horse Racing Betting

The Maine Gambling Control Unit oversees advance deposit wagering in the state. Licensing is gained through a competitive bidding process and lasts for five years. Penn ADW LLC, which operates as Hollywood Races, won the bid in 2020.

There is only one advance deposit wagering company licensed to accept online horse racing wagers from Maine residents.

• Hollywood Races

Live Horse Race Tracks in Maine

In Maine, there are two commercial harness racetracks. There are additional ones at county fairgrounds. Commercial racetracks are defined by hosting at least 25 pari-mutuel racing days the prior calendar year. One operates out of a county fairground, while the other offers casino games at a nearby location. Pari-mutuel wagering is limited to persons at least 18 years of age.

First Tracks Cumberland

175 Blanchard Road
Cumberland, Maine 04021

First Tracks Cumberland operates out of the Cumberland Fairgrounds. It hosts multiple live harness racing events throughout the year, separate from the Cumberland State Fair at the end of September. This includes racing events that were previously held at Scarborough Downs. There is no charge for grandstand admission. 

For over 150 years, harness racing events have been held at the Cumberland Fairgrounds. Evening racing became available in 1948 with the installation of lights around the racetrack. 

Hollywood Casino Bangor

500 Main Street
Bangor, Maine 04401

Live standardbred horse races are held at the Bangor Raceway from May through early November. Racing days vary throughout the season, but are held on Sundays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. Post times are noon, 3:30pm or 6pm. The Bangor Fair is held in August. Simulcast wagering is available daily. 

Operated by Penn Entertainment, the nearby casino offers almost 800 slots and more than a dozen table games. Casino games are restricted to guests 21 years of age and older. The property also has a couple dining options and a 148-room hotel.  

Maine Fairs with Live Horse Racing

Multiple fairs are held annually in Maine. Some of these fairs host live harness racing events. Harness races may have an entry fee in addition to the county fair admission price. The month of the fair with horse racing events is listed in parentheses. 

• Cumberland County Fair – 175 Blanchard Road, Cumberland (late-September)
• Farmington Fair – 292 High Street, Farmington (September)
• Fryeburg Fair – 1154 Main Street, Fryeburg (early-October)
• Topsham Fair – 32 Community Way, Topsham (August)
• Windsor Fair – 82 Ridge Road, Windsor (late-August/early-September)

Historical Harness Racetracks in Maine

Maine has about 175 years of horse racing history. The first harness racing tracks opened in the state during the 1800s. Bangor Trotting Park opened as a one-mile track in 1851. Maplewood Park, now known as Bass Park, was constructed in 1883. 

Two more racetracks opened in 1892. The Kite Track in Old Orchard Beach was originally named the Breeders’ Mile Track. Low entry numbers and poor weather over multiple years forced the track to close in 1903. It reopened following the legalization of pari-mutuel wagering until 1950 when Scarborough Downs was built. Rigby Park was described as the fastest and safest regulation track when it opened. Poor management caused its closure in 1898.

Scarborough Downs opened in 1950 as the only thoroughbred racetrack in the state. After the introduction of harness racing to the racetrack, it switched to standardbred races only in the 1970s. It finished live racing operations at the end of 2020. Most of the racing events were moved to Cumberland.

Major Maine Horse Racing Events

The Maine Sire Stakes racing series was created in 1972. With a goal of encouraging the breeding and racing of standardbred horses in the state of Maine, the series is run over the summer months. Races are held at agricultural fairs and at both commercial racetracks.

Maine Off-Track Betting Locations

Off-track wagering in Maine is permitted by Title 8, Chapter 11 §275-D. The Harness Racing Commission also oversees off-track betting facilities (OTBs). Maine is home to four standalone OTBs and one at each of the state’s two race tracks. Readers can view a complete list of authorized OTBs in Maine here.

Bettors must be at least 18 years of age. Most off-track betting facilities in Maine have a full-service restaurant and bar. Accompanied minors may be permitted to dine, but are not allowed within 15 feet of betting windows or kiosks. Simulcast wagering is available in the following locations in addition to Hollywood Bangor Raceway. 

• Favorites – Waterville OTB – 38 College Avenue, Waterville 
• Favorites – Sanford OTB – 890 Main Street, Suite 200C, Sanford
• Winners Sports Grill & OTB – 20 Farley Road, Brunswick
• Winners Circle OTB – 12 Mollison Way, Lewiston

Maine Horse Racing Betting FAQ