Maine officially opened its legal sports betting market today (November 3), with both Caesars and DraftKings already based in the state.

Milt Champion, executive director of the Maine Gambling Control Unit (GCU), only shared launch plans with iGB mid-week. Just a few days later, the sports betting market is now live and consumers are already placing bets.

DraftKings is one of two operators going live on opening day, although they only confirmed their plans to bet on Maine earlier this week. It has partnered with the Passamaquoddy Tribe to launch it online.

Also launching today is Caesars, which is going live in partnership with three of the Wabanaki Nations. These include the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, the Mi’kmaq Nation and the Penobscot Nation.

“Sports fans in Maine deserve an elevated sports betting experience that matches the pedigree of New England’s sports fan base,” said Eric Hession, President of Caesars Digital. “The launch of Caesars Sportsbook fulfills this tradition.

“We have a platform for modern sports fans aged 21 and over with exciting ways to bet responsibly on the sports they love. We want to thank Governor Janet Mills and the Maine Legislature for making this launch possible, as well as the Maine Gambling Control Unit (MGCU) for everything they have done throughout this process.”

Genius is also set to launch in Maine

It was also announced today that Genius Sports has received a temporary gaming license from MGCU. This means that Genius now has 43 licenses or equivalent licenses in North America in U.S. states, territories, tribes and Canada.

Genius is the exclusive distributor of official NFL league data. It says it operates more than 98% of the regulated North American sports betting market.

“We are honored that MGCU has awarded Genius Sports its temporary gaming license to allow sports bettors access to our full suite of solutions, including our groundbreaking BetVision streaming tool,” said Mark Locke, CEO of Genius.

“Our products are based on the highest quality official data and are proven to help sports bettors increase trading profits and cost efficiency while engaging players every step of the way.”

Maine Sports Betting: It’s been a long time coming

The market launches nearly 18 months after sports betting was legalized in Maine. Governor Mills signed a bill last spring allowing retail and online sports betting. However, LD585 In the states, internet sports betting can only be conducted by licensed tribes in the state.

Tribes can apply for a license to operate online betting. You can also work with one online operator at a time.

As far as retail betting is concerned, combined racetracks and off-track betting establishments can apply for land-based licenses.