Oddfellahs Sportsbook & Bar in Portland, Maine, has been forced to halt its in-person sports betting operations after the state of Maine revoked its temporary gaming license. This decision, which came as a shock to the business, arrives at a particularly sensitive time, just ahead of major sporting events like the Super Bowl and March Madness. For the venue’s owner, Michael Cianchette, and his team, the timing could not be worse.

The fallout from the license revocation:

Oddfellahs opened its doors to sports betting in September 2024 under a temporary license approved by the state while it awaited approval for a permanent license. The business quickly gained traction, with many customers enjoying both the gaming experience and the restaurant’s offerings. According to General Manager David Moran, the combination of gaming and food proved to be a successful formula. He explained, “We thrive with the gaming and the food and beverage side of it. They go hand in hand, and one needs to feed the other.”

However, the company’s plans have hit a major roadblock. The temporary license, which was issued to Oddfellahs under the premise that it operated as a commercial track facility, has now been revoked by the Maine Gambling Control Unit (GCU). Cianchette had hoped that the Commercial Track license, which he obtained for his other property, a harness racing track in Cumberland, would apply to the Portland bar as well. The license was initially granted with the understanding that it would cover Oddfellahs as well, despite its operation as an off-site restaurant and bar. Cianchette’s expectations were dashed when the GCU denied the permanent license, thereby nullifying the temporary one as well.

In a statement, Cianchette expressed frustration, saying, as MSN reports, “We didn’t break a rule, we didn’t do anything wrong. It was nothing to do with our operations. It was just that the state changed its mind.” Oddfellahs, which employed over a dozen staff members, had invested substantial sums into renovations and licensing fees. Losing the right to accept bets has left the venue in a difficult position. The revocation came just as the business was preparing for its busiest season, with the Super Bowl approaching and March Madness just around the corner.

For Cianchette, the situation is particularly disheartening because he believes the state gave the business false confidence when it issued the temporary license in the first place. “They knew that when they gave us the initial license. It wasn’t a surprise to anyone and the Director and other staff from the state came and did a site visit,” he noted. Despite this, the Gambling Control Unit’s reasoning for the denial was that Oddfellahs does not qualify as a Commercial Track facility, thus ineligible for the license.

Legal battle could determine the future of Oddfellahs:

The impact on Oddfellahs’ business has been severe. “It’s kind of like Lucy and the football. The state decided to pull the football away after we started running,” said Cianchette, likening the situation to the famous Peanuts comic strip. The company is now exploring its legal options, hoping to reverse the decision through a court appeal, which also has been mentioned in an official statement issued by GCU (pdf). According to WMTV, Cianchette has requested that a judge pause the Gambling Control Unit’s decision while the appeal process is underway.

Moran, who has been at the helm of the business since its opening, echoed the sentiment of his boss, stating, “We don’t want to upset anyone. At the same time, we’re just trying to find a solution to get things up and going again to keep everyone happy.” The next few weeks are critical for Oddfellahs, as they aim to resume operations before the busy sports season reaches its peak.

At the core of this dispute is the interpretation of the state’s gaming regulations. Oddfellahs was initially granted a Commercial Track license due to its connection to a licensed harness racing track. But now, the GCU has reversed its stance, citing the bar’s failure to qualify as a commercial track or off-track betting facility as the reason for the denial. This decision has sparked significant tension, and Cianchette is pushing for a resolution that would allow Oddfellahs to operate once again.