Oddfellahs Sportsbook and Bar looks to end wagering pause

The establishment is Maine’s first retail sportsbook and was granted a temporary license from the GCU before its application for a full license was denied on January 17.

Oddfellahs Sportsbook and Bar has filed a request to Superior Court Judge John O’Neil to let Maine’s first retail sportsbook continue accepting wagers after its full gambling license was denied on January 17 by the Gambling Control Unit (GCU). 

The establishment has previously allowed patrons to place bets through a temporary license issued by the GCU while the agency reviewed its parent company’s application. Oddfellahs is owned and operated by First Tracks Investments, which also oversees a licensed harness racing site at Cumberland Fairgrounds.

Oddfellahs appealed the January 17 decision to the public safety commissioner, but was again denied in its attempt to temporarily resume accepting wagers while awaiting a hearing. Judge O’Neil has not made a decision at this time, but promised the establishment that one would be made shortly. 

The denial comes at an inopportune time for Oddfellahs, given that Super Bowl LIX is set to kickoff on February 9, representing one of the highest-wagered events each year. Having only opened during the fall of 2024, this would be the first Super Bowl in which Maine residents have the opportunity to place bets in-person at the retail sportsbook. 

Good to know: Oddfellahs Sportsbook and Bar was developed in partnership between First Track Investments and Caesars Entertainment, with a ceremonial first bet placed by Mayor Mark Dion on September 13

While an attorney representing First Tracks argued that Oddfellahs is eligible for a sports wagering license, GCU Director Milt Champion stated that the agency cannot grant the sportsbook a license since First Tracks has already been granted one for its harness racing site. 

Due to the license already being “tied to the physical racing track,” the track’s owner can only receive a sports wagering license for bets made on the premises of the licensed facility. Andre Duchette, the attorney representing Oddfellahs, stated that Champion moved the goalpost for his clients after already granting the sportsbook a temporary license. 

With the decision from Judge O’Neil still in question, Oddfellahs will have to continue awaiting approval on a temporary license before possibly cashing in on what would surely be its most profitable weekend to date.

Kirk Geller

Visit Profile

Players trust our reporting due to our commitment to unbiased and professional evaluations of the iGaming sector. We track hundreds of platforms and industry updates daily to ensure our news feed and leaderboards reflect the most recent market shifts. With nearly two decades of experience within iGaming, our team provides a wealth of expert knowledge. This long-standing expertise enables us to deliver thorough, reliable news and guidance to our readers.