PORTLAND, Maine--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Caesars Entertainment, Inc. (NASDAQ: CZR) (“Caesars”) today celebrated the first in-person sports wagering location in the state of Maine at the newly opened sports entertainment venue, Oddfellahs, powered by Caesars Sportsbook. Made possible through Caesars Sportsbook’s partnership with First Tracks Investments LLC, the new state-of-the-art sports bar brings in-person sports betting to the Pine Tree State for the first time.
Oddfellahs today commemorated its grand opening in the heart of downtown Portland at 55 Market St. with a ceremonial first bet placed by Portland Mayor Mark Dion alongside representatives from Caesars Sportsbook, First Tracks, the Portland City Council, and the Maine Gambling Control Unit.
“We’d like to thank Governor Janet Mills, the Maine Gambling Control Unit, the Portland City Council and the entire state legislature for making today possible,” said Eric Hession, President of Caesars Digital. “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.”
“Building something new is always a challenge, but great teams make great things possible,” said Michael Cianchette, CEO of First Tracks Investments, LLC, operator of Oddfellahs. “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 21 and older full food and beverage service combined with an elevated sports viewing and wagering experience. Full-service sports wagering is available through self-service betting kiosks and a ticket window on-site in addition to convenient cash deposits and withdrawals for Caesars Sportsbook mobile accounts.
Sports fans should expect the ultimate viewing experience modeled after a Vegas-style sportsbook with 36 screens to catch sporting events at any time of the year, including every game of the NFL season. The sports entertainment destination is open for lunch and dinner seven days a week, opening at noon on Monday through Thursday and at 11:00 a.m. Friday through Sunday, staying open for each day’s advertised games.
Caesars Sportsbook brings its industry-leading reputation in Responsible Gaming to in-person wagering in Maine with a focus on promoting Responsible Gaming. In March and June 2024, Caesars Sportsbook received the prestigious RG Check accreditation from the Responsible Gambling Council in Ontario, Canada, which recognizes companies that achieve the highest standards for their Responsible Gaming practices.
Caesars enforces an enhanced 21+ gaming policy that ensures Caesars Rewards membership and accounts are only available to individuals 21 and older, where permitted by law. This policy applies to all Caesars Sportsbook in-person and mobile operations in Maine, including at Oddfellahs, where entry is limited to those 21 and older.
Caesars Sportsbook has offered sports wagering on mobile and desktop in Maine since its launch in Nov. 2023, made possible through Caesars’ historic partnership with three of the Wabanaki Nations: the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, the Mi’kmaq Nation and the Penobscot Nation. Sports fans can download the Caesars Sportsbook app on iOS and Android or visit caesars.com/sportsbook on desktop for a sports wagering experience that delivers premium rewards via the industry-leading customer loyalty program, Caesars Rewards®.
For real-time industry updates and to join the empire of like-minded Caesars, players can engage with the Caesars Sportsbook social handle @CaesarsSports on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook. For more information on Maine’s first retail sportsbook, follow Oddfellahs at @oddfellahsmaine on Facebook and @oddfellahs on Instagram.
About Caesars Entertainment, Inc.
Caesars Entertainment, Inc. (NASDAQ: CZR) is the largest casino-entertainment Company in the U.S. and one of the world’s most diversified casino-entertainment providers. Since its beginning in Reno, NV, in 1937, Caesars Entertainment, Inc. has grown through development of new resorts, expansions and acquisitions. Caesars Entertainment, Inc.’s resorts operate primarily under the Caesars®, Harrah’s®, Horseshoe®, and Eldorado® brand names. Caesars Entertainment, Inc. offers diversified gaming, entertainment and hospitality amenities, one-of-a-kind destinations, and a full suite of mobile and online gaming and sports betting experiences. All tied to its industry-leading Caesars Rewards loyalty program, the Company focuses on building value with its guests through a unique combination of impeccable service, operational excellence and technology leadership. Caesars is committed to its employees, suppliers, communities and the environment through its PEOPLE PLANET PLAY framework. Know When To Stop Before You Start.® Gambling Problem? Call or text 1-800-GAMBLER. For more information, please visit www.caesars.com/corporate.
About First Tracks Investments LLC
First Tracks Investments, LLC is a Maine family-owned business which stepped into the harness racing industry following the sale and ultimate closure of Scarbough Downs. Since 2021, it has broadcast Maine harness racing to locations around the world from the Cumberland Fairgrounds. In its first 3 years of operation, over $10 million was wagered on Maine racing through its worldwide network of retail and mobile harness racing outlets. Its newest venture is Oddfellahs, Maine’s first retail sportsbook and sports bar opening in September 2024 at 55 Market Street in the heart of Portland’s historic Old Port. First Tracks is led by Michael Cianchette and is affiliated with several other Maine businesses, including the Portland Regency Hotel and Spa, Casco Bay Ford, and Pine Ridge Acres.
Responsible Gaming in Maine
Must be 21 or older to gamble. Know When To Stop Before You Start.® Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
