Huge brand bringing its iGaming app when Maine online casinos launch

Following weeks of relative radio silence, some progress has been made regarding the Maine online casino industry, which is expected to launch sometime in 2026. According to a press release, Caesars Entertainment expanded on its existing partnership with three Wabanaki Nations tribes in the state. As a result, when the Maine iGaming market goes live, the state will feature three Caesars online casinos.

Under state law that passed earlier this year, there are four licenses up for grabs for incoming iGaming platforms, all of which come via the four Wabanaki Nations tribes. 

By expanding its agreement with the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, the Mi'kmaq Nation and the Penobscot Nation, Caesars Entertainment will account for three of those Maine online casino licenses. 

In an announcement, it opens the door for the rollout of Caesars Sportsbook & Casino, Horseshoe Online Casino and the flagship Caesars Palace Online Casino, which likely will feature a welcome offer via a Caesars Casino bonus code.

The long-term agreement, per the announcement, sets up Caesars to debut those platforms in 2026, pending regulatory approvals.

The expanded partnership comes on the heels of the 2023 introduction of Caesars' online sportsbook. In addition to a commitment to offer a best-in-class and responsible online gambling experience, Caesars will invest in local workforce development by employing, training and developing members of each tribe to provide "meaningful financial support to help fund tribal community programs and initiatives," according to a press release.

There has been no update as to if the Passamaquoddy Nation will partner with a legal gambling online casino for that fourth and final license, although it does have DraftKings in its corner for online sports betting.

Until then, it is only Caesars Entertainment platforms that residents can look forward to enjoying when the market launches in 2026.

"Together, we've built a strong and responsible sports wagering experience, and this next phase reinforces our commitment to our tribal partners and to delivering a differentiated, localized digital gaming experience for Mainers," Eric Hession, president of Caesars Digital, said in a statement. "We're grateful to Gov. Janet Mills, the Maine Legislature and the Maine Gambling Control Unit for their continued leadership and thoughtful approach to gaming in the state."

Chief Kirk Francis of the Penobscot Nation added that integrating these new online casinos from Caesars "represents a meaningful opportunity to build on that foundation" already in place with Caesars Entertainment.

While there has been some movement for the future of legal casino games online in Maine, there remains a lawsuit still pending in the state.

Churchill Downs – which operates Oxford Casino Hotel, one of two commercial land-based casinos in Maine – sued to have the iGaming law invalidated, saying that the state legislature "blessed a race-based monopoly" by awarding online casino licenses to tribal partners only.

Penn Entertainment, which owns Hollywood Casino Hotel & Raceway, is not involved in the litigation, but CEO Jay Snowden criticized Maine's framework in a Q4 2025 earnings call.

Snowden emphasized how the property has been in operation since 2005, investing hundreds of millions of dollars and being "as involved in the community" as any entity can be. Yet Maine lawmakers chose to "hand a monopoly to a third party that's never invested a dollar in the industry."

Bettors must be 21 years or older and otherwise eligible to register and place wagers at online casinos. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, please seek assistance from trained professionals such as the Problem Gambling Help Network at 1-800-MY-RESET.

Grant Lucas