Oddfellahs Sportsbook and Bar, Maine’s first in-person sports betting venue, has been forced to pause its wagering operations after state regulators revoked its license. The Portland-based establishment, which opened in September, stopped accepting bets on Wednesday but remains open as a bar and restaurant.
Michael Cianchette, the owner of Oddfellahs, said that he was informed by Milton Champion, executive director of the Maine Gambling Control Unit, that the business was no longer eligible to hold a sports wagering license. However, he said he has yet to receive a clear explanation for why the decision was made or why it came months after the venue began operating.
Oddfellahs announced the development on social media Friday, advising customers with outstanding bets to hold onto their tickets while awaiting further updates. “We are waiting for further information and will update social media once we know more,” the business stated.
Cianchette confirmed that Oddfellahs has appealed the ruling with both the state public safety commissioner’s office and the Maine Superior Court, hoping for a resolution that allows it to continue offering sports betting.
“We want to do right by our customers, by the public, so we’re hopeful that a judge will let us keep operating, and then we can go through the process and find an orderly way forward, rather than pulling the rug out from under us,” Cianchette said.
The Maine Gambling Control Unit and the public safety commissioner’s office have not yet commented on the matter. Oddfellahs opened its doors in Portland’s Old Port district at the former location of The Big Easy music club. The venue partnered with Caesars Sportsbook for its gambling operations and was granted a state license in August.
