Exploring methods to boost Wabanaki Nations' gaming income, with Maine as a potential catalyst for change.
Article:
Emma Davis, Maine Morning Star
A bill proposing the Wabanaki Nations receive exclusive rights for internet gaming in Maine has made progress in the Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee, but its future remains uncertain due to lack of support from the governor and opposition from private casinos.
LD 1164 In Limbo
Submitted for the 132nd Legislature, LD 1164, or "An Act to Create Economic Opportunity for the Wabanaki Nations Through Internet Gaming," aims to grant tribal nations licenses for online gaming platforms, similar to the state's existing online sports betting system. Although the majority of committee members supported the bill, little enthusiasm has been shown by the governor, potentially hindering its advancement. Furthermore, competition from private casinos adds to the challenge it faces.
The Impact and Insights
- Key Proposal: The bill calls for an extension of exclusive internet gaming licenses to the Wabanaki Nations, enabling them to offer online casino-style games like poker, blackjack, and roulette.
- Model: The proposal mimics the structure already in use for online sports betting in Maine, where tribal partnerships have been established.
- Current Progress: As of April 2025, the bill lingers in committee, with no advancement since a public hearing held on March 31st. Its future remains uncertain, as legislative records indicate it "was carried over, in the same posture, to the next special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature."
- Implications: If successful, this bill would expand the gaming rights of tribal nations in Maine. However, as things stand, the potential changes are yet to take effect.
| Bill Name | Introduced | Latest Action | Status | Purpose ||-------------|--------------|---------------------|------------------------|-----------------------------|| LD 1164 | Mar 20, 2025 | Committee Hold | Carried over | Exclusive online casino rights for Wabanaki Nations |
What's Ahead
The bill's future remains unclear, with the possibility of reconsideration in future regional gatherings of the Maine Legislature. For now, the bill remains in limbo as it waits for further consideration.
- The bill LD 1164, titled "An Act to Create Economic Opportunity for the Wabanaki Nations Through Internet Gaming," proposes regulating exclusive rights for internet casinos to tribal nations in Maine.
- Current politics and policy-and-legislation surrounding LD 1164 show a divided stance, with the bill gaining support from a majority of committee members but facing opposition from private casinos and the governor.
- In the context of general news, the future of LD 1164 remains uncertain, as it lingers in committee without advancement since the public hearing held on March 31st, 2025.
- The successful passage of LD 1164 would expand the gaming rights for tribal nations in Maine by enabling them to offer online casino-style games such as poker, blackjack, and roulette, echoing the model already in use for online sports betting.
