An Act To Include Harness Racing With Other Sports For Purposes Of Sports Wagering

LD 1188 allows harness racing to be included in Maine's sports wagering system. It modifies existing law to permit licensed harness racing venues (operating under the Maine State Harness Racing Commission) to sell betting pools for harness races at facilities also licensed by the Department of Public Safety for sports wagering. This removes a current restriction that prevented harness racing from being offered at physical sports wagering locations. The change directly affects harness racing tracks and sports wagering facilities, aiming to support the harness racing industry by expanding betting opportunities before the 2025 racing season. The bill repeals a temporary restriction set to expire in 2026.