- Maine online casino bill approved but awaits approval from governor
- Bill LD 1164 would give rights to state’s four tribes
- Decision to be made within 10 days
Maine took a big step forward this week as they voted in favor of a Maine online casino bill that would legalize online gaming through the state’s four tribes.
Earlier this month, bill LD 1164 was re-visited during a special legislative session. It passed through the Veterans Affairs Committee by a vote of 8-5. Since that time, the bill has moved through the House with a 85-59 vote last week. Then this week the bill just narrowly passed through the Senate this week by a vote of 18-17.
LD 1164 now awaits approval from Governor Janet Mills.
Wabanaki Nations Could Control Online Casino Gaming
Maine has four tribes that are all part of the Wabanaki Nations. They include the Passamaquoddy Tribe, Penobscot Nation, Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, and the Milkmaq Nation.
Bill LD1164 would grant tribes exclusive access to regulating online casino gaming in Maine. That would make the Pine Tree State the eighth state to legalize online casinos.
The bill would create additional funds for the tribes, plus an 18% state tax that is estimated to bring in $5.4 million in revenues from 2025-2027. A portion of the funds (16%) would also be used to help in the prevention and assistance of problem gambling.
“Regulating igaming gives us the tools to enforce safeguards like age verification, betting limits and addiction resources that the offshore platforms ignore,” says Brian Reynolds, Tribal Representative for the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians. “By bringing this market under Maine’s laws, we’re not only protecting the Maine gaming market, we’re protecting people.”
“Regulating igaming gives us the tools to enforce safeguards like age verification, betting limits and addiction resources that the offshore platforms ignore. By bringing this market under Maine’s laws, we’re not only protecting the Maine gaming market, we’re protecting people.” — Brian Reynolds, Tribal Representative for the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians
One alternative bill, LD1851, which would raise the portion of slots revenues shared with tribes from 39 to 46% is also active, though has not been voted on.
The Wabanaki Nations were granted similar rights in 2022 to oversee online sports betting with the ability to partner with a commercial sportsbooks. Currently, the Passamaquoddy Tribe partners with DraftKings, while the other three have a deal with Caesars.
Governor Janet Mills Against Online Gaming
LD 1164 now sits in the office Mills’. She has 10 days to either sign off and approve the bill, or choose to veto. Or, she could simply not sign the bill, therefore, essentially also vetoing.
Mills has previously been against bringing online casino gaming to Maine. So despite recent support for LD 1164, the odds could be against this Maine online casino bill becoming law.
Additionally, igaming has faced opposition in the state. This has come from the Department of Health and Human Services, Maine Gambling Control Unit, and the Maine Gambling Control Board. The state’s two in-state retail casinos have also opposed. The Hollywood Casino Hotel and Raceway and Oxford Casino Hotel have voiced concerns that their businesses would be affected by additional competition.
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