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September 16, 2024

Portland sports bar launches with a big bet on legal gambling

Photo / William Hall Oddfellahs, a sports bar at 55 Market St. in Portland, is the site of the first in-person sports betting legalized tin Maine.
By William Hall

Restaurants and bars come and go in Portland's Old Port, but a new establishment is betting that in-person sports wagering will help it outscore the competition.

Oddfellahs, at 55 Market St., opened Friday with the distinction of being the first place in Maine where bets on organized sports can be legally taken.

The state legalized sports gambling in 2022, and the online form launched last November under the control of the four federally recognized indigenous tribes in Maine. But for 10 months there's been no brick-and-mortar option.

Caesars Entertainment Inc., of Reno, Nev., is now providing the platform that lets patrons of Oddfellahs make sports wagers, using self-service kiosks and an in-person ticket window. Caesars (Nasdaq: CZR) already runs the online sportsbook granted by the 2022 legislation to three of the four tribes — the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, Mi’kmaq Nation and Penobscot Nation.

First Tracks Investments LLC, which has broadcast Maine harness racing to gambling locations for several years, operates Oddfellahs and is partnering with Caesars on the in-person sportsbook.

On Friday at Oddfellahs, Portland Mayor Mark Dion placed the first bet, alongside representatives from Caesars, First Tracks, the Portland City Council and the Maine Gambling Control Unit.

Eric Hession, president of Caesars Digital, said in a news release, “It’s great to see the momentum following our launch of mobile sports wagering in the state through our historic partnership with three of the Wabanaki Nations. With the first in-person sportsbook now operational, we look forward to collaborating with First Tracks on additional in-person opportunities in Maine.”

First Tracks CEO Michael Cianchette said, “Building something new is always a challenge, but great teams make great things possible. This is an exciting venture for Maine’s harness racing industry, Wabanaki tribes and sports fans across the state to access a new entertainment venue. We’re excited for whatever comes next and look forward to providing sustainable, responsible opportunities.”

Oddfellahs offers sports fans a Vegas-style betting environment with 36 screens to catch events, including every game of the current NFL season. The sports entertainment venue is open for lunch and dinner seven days a week.

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