iGaming Expansion Possibility in Maine: Casino Online Bill Given Fresh Life in Legislature
Publish Date: June 6, 2025, 03:16h.
Last Updated: June 6, 2025, 03:16h.
Author: Devin O'Connor @CasinoorgDevinO
Categories: Asia Pacific Gaming, Commercial Gaming, Legislation, Politics
Article: Maine's iGaming Proposal Revives: Tribes Could Extend Online Casino Offerings
- *Exclusive rights to online casinos could go to Maine's tribes
- *Gov. Mills's stance on gambling remains uncertain
- Current tax benefits are limited, leaving revenues in the red
Last week, a shockwave rippled through the iGaming sector when a long-shelved bill to authorize online casinos in Maine resurfaced. LD1164 made its way out of the Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee, setting the stage for full consideration in both the House of Representatives and Senate.
The sudden reemergence of LD1164 caught many offguard, particularly after the same committee had tabled the online casino statute earlier in March. The surprising development followed Gov. Janet Mills's (D) call for a special session to address the rapidly-approved two-year budget plan lacking the required two-thirds majority votes.
With the special session set to run until at least June 18, online casino discussions resurfaced as a potential avenue to generate new tax revenue. While the potential revenues are enticing, they may not be significant enough, with the Maine Legislature's fiscal office projecting a total of $5.4 million in tax revenue over two fiscal years under a 16% tax on gross gaming revenue.
If enacted, LD1164 would grant the Wabanaki Nations – Maine's four federally recognized tribes – exclusive rights to online casino games. The Maliseet, Micmac, Passamaquoddy, and Penobscot tribes could potentially partner with companies such as FanDuel, DraftKings, and BetMGM if the bill gains passage and approval from Gov. Mills.
It's important to note that the tribes already collaborate with specific online sports betting operators. Three of the tribes aligned with Caesars Sportsbook, while the Passamaquoddy formed a partnership with DraftKings.
However, the bill may still face obstacles. Both Penn Entertainment, which operates Hollywood Casino Bangor, and Churchill Downs, the overseer of Oxford Casino Hotel, have voiced concerns. They argue that iGaming would siphon revenue from their land-based casinos, leading to potential job losses and reduced state tax revenues.
Mills' stance on gambling remains a wildlife card in this game. While she did sign the 2022 bill that granted the tribes online sports betting privileges, she vetoed a 2021 bill that would have allowed them to establish gambling businesses on tribal lands.
The odds of Maine jumping onto the online casino bandwagon are slim despite the bill's progress through the House Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee. With limited potential tax benefits and fierce opposition from land-based casino operators, it appears that Maine may retain its position as a holdout against online casino legalization.
Stay tuned for updates on this evolving situation, as the iGaming community anxiously awaits the outcome of LD1164's journey through the Maine Legislature.
- The re-emergence of LD1164, a bill to authorize online casinos in Maine, has sparked interest in the iGaming sector.
- If enacted, LD1164 would give the Wabanaki Nations exclusive rights to operate online casino games.
- Gov. Janet Mills's stance on gambling remains uncertain, as she previously vetoed a bill allowing tribes to establish gambling businesses on tribal lands.
- While the bill could potentially generate new tax revenue, the Maine Legislature's fiscal office projects only $5.4 million over two fiscal years under a 16% tax on gross gaming revenue.
- Land-based casino operators, such as Churchill Downs (Oxford Casino Hotel) and Penn Entertainment (Hollywood Casino Bangor), have voiced concerns about the impact of iGaming on their businesses.
- The progress of LD1164 through the House Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee has ignited anticipation in the iGaming community, as they await the bill's outcome in the state legislature.
