Maine § 300-A. - Illegal wagering
Full text of Maine Maine Revised Statutes § 300-A. — Illegal wagering, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 300-A.. Illegal wagering
1. Illegal wagering on horse races. A person is liable for the damages specified in this section if that person accepts a wager from a person located within this State and:
A. A license is required under this chapter to accept the wager; and [PL 2005, c. 683, Pt. C, §3 (NEW).]
B. The person who accepts the wager is not licensed to do so under this chapter. [PL 2005, c. 683, Pt. C, §3 (NEW).]
2. Right of action. A commercial licensee under section 271 may bring an action in Superior Court against a person who has accepted an illegal wager described in subsection 1. The court shall award damages to the prevailing plaintiff and the commission, as provided in subsection 4, in an amount equal to 25% of the monetary amount of illegal wagers accepted, including illegal wagers accepted as described in subsection 1, plus reasonable attorney's fees and costs.
3. Punitive damages. If a person accepting an illegal wager described in subsection 1 has been advised in writing of the provisions of this section either by the Attorney General or by a commercial track licensed under this chapter before accepting any such wager, then the person accepting the illegal wager, in addition to all other damages authorized under this section, is liable in an amount of up to 4 times the damages awarded under subsection 2 that the court determines are appropriate given the willfulness of the violation, any mitigating circumstances, any efforts by the person who accepted the wager to comply with Maine law, the need to deter acceptance of illegal wagers and all other relevant circumstances.
4. Distribution of damages. Damages awarded under this section must be distributed as follows.
A. Reasonable costs of bringing the action, including reasonable attorney's fees and costs, must be paid to the plaintiff. [PL 2005, c. 304, §1 (NEW).]
B. All other damages awarded must be paid to the commission. The commission shall distribute the damages it receives as follows:
(2) One fourth must be deposited to the fund to supplement harness racing purses established under section 298;
(3) One fourth must be deposited to the Fund to Encourage Racing at Maine's Commercial Tracks, established under section 299; and
(4) One fourth must be deposited to the Fund to Stabilize Off-track Betting Facilities, established under section 300. [PL 2005, c. 304, §1 (NEW).]
Frequently Asked Questions About Maine § 300-A.
What does Maine Revised Statutes § 300-A. cover?
Section 300-A. ("Illegal wagering") is part of the Maine Revised Statutes, the codified statutory law of Maine. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Maine § 300-A.?
A common citation format is "Maine Revised Statutes § 300-A." (Maine). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Maine law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Maine official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Maine attorney.
How does Maine § 300-A. apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Maine can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Maine.