Maine Sportsbook Oddfellahs Suspends Betting Amid License Dispute

Oddfellahs Sportsbook & Bar in Portland, Maine, has been compelled to halt its in-person sports activities betting operations after the state of Maine revoked its non permanent gaming license. This determination, which got here as a shock to the enterprise, arrives at a very delicate time, simply forward of main sporting occasions just like the Tremendous Bowl and March Insanity. For the venue’s proprietor, Michael Cianchette, and his group, the timing couldn’t be worse.

The fallout from the license revocation:

Oddfellahs opened its doorways to sports activities betting in September 2024 underneath a short lived license accepted by the state whereas it awaited approval for a everlasting license. The enterprise rapidly gained traction, with many purchasers having fun with each the gaming expertise and the restaurant’s choices. Based on Normal Supervisor David Moran, the mixture of gaming and meals proved to be a profitable system. He defined, “We thrive with the gaming and the meals and beverage facet of it. They go hand in hand, and one must feed the opposite.”

Nonetheless, the corporate’s plans have hit a main roadblock. The non permanent license, which was issued to Oddfellahs underneath the premise that it operated as a business observe facility, has now been revoked by the Maine Playing Management Unit (GCU). Cianchette had hoped that the Industrial Monitor license, which he obtained for his different property, a harness racing observe in Cumberland, would apply to the Portland bar as nicely. The license was initially granted with the understanding that it could cowl Oddfellahs as nicely, regardless of its operation as an off-site restaurant and bar. Cianchette’s expectations had been dashed when the GCU denied the everlasting license, thereby nullifying the non permanent one as nicely.

In an announcement, Cianchette expressed frustration, saying, as MSN studies, “We didn’t break a rule, we didn’t do something improper. It was nothing to do with our operations. It was simply that the state modified its thoughts.” Oddfellahs, which employed over a dozen employees members, had invested substantial sums into renovations and licensing charges. Shedding the appropriate to simply accept bets has left the venue in a tough place. The revocation got here simply because the enterprise was making ready for its busiest season, with the Tremendous Bowl approaching and March Insanity simply across the nook.

For Cianchette, the scenario is especially disheartening as a result of he believes the state gave the enterprise false confidence when it issued the non permanent license within the first place. “They knew that once they gave us the preliminary license. It wasn’t a shock to anybody and the Director and different employees from the state got here and did a website go to,” he famous. Regardless of this, the Playing Management Unit’s reasoning for the denial was that Oddfellahs doesn’t qualify as a Industrial Monitor facility, thus ineligible for the license.

Authorized battle might decide the way forward for Oddfellahs:

The influence on Oddfellahs’ enterprise has been extreme. “It’s form of like Lucy and the soccer. The state determined to drag the soccer away after we began operating,” mentioned Cianchette, likening the scenario to the well-known Peanuts cartoon. The corporate is now exploring its authorized choices, hoping to reverse the choice via a court docket attraction, which additionally has been talked about in an official assertion issued by GCU (pdf). Based on WMTV, Cianchette has requested {that a} choose pause the Playing Management Unit’s determination whereas the attraction course of is underway.

Moran, who has been on the helm of the enterprise since its opening, echoed the sentiment of his boss, stating, “We don’t wish to upset anybody. On the identical time, we’re simply looking for an answer to get issues up and going once more to maintain everybody joyful.” The following few weeks are essential for Oddfellahs, as they goal to renew operations earlier than the busy sports activities season reaches its peak.

On the core of this dispute is the interpretation of the state’s gaming laws. Oddfellahs was initially granted a Industrial Monitor license as a result of its connection to a licensed harness racing observe. However now, the GCU has reversed its stance, citing the bar’s failure to qualify as a business observe or off-track betting facility as the rationale for the denial. This determination has sparked vital stress, and Cianchette is pushing for a decision that might permit Oddfellahs to function as soon as once more.