Oddfellahs, Maine’s only in-person sportsbook, is facing uncertainty as state officials debate whether it can continue operating under its current license. The Maine Gambling Control Unit revoked the bar’s temporary license in January, leading to a legal dispute over whether a commercial track betting license can extend to a sports bar. The owner, Michael Cianchette, obtained a commercial track betting license for his horse racing business and used it to offer sports betting at Oddfellahs.

The dispute centers around whether a commercial track betting license can be used at an off-site location like a sports bar, as opposed to a horse racing venue. The attorney general’s office argued that lawmakers did not intend for the license to be used in this way, potentially leading to legal challenges. If Oddfellahs is required to reapply as an off-track betting facility, it could face permanent closure due to Maine law prohibiting two off-track betting locations within 35 miles of each other.

Cianchette expressed frustration over the situation, stating that if he had known the outcome sooner, he may not have invested in the business. The fate of Oddfellahs now rests with the Maine Department of Public Safety’s commissioner, who will make a decision after both sides submit closing arguments.