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Maine to become eighth state to legalize online casinos
Despite delaying her decision to sign a bill that would legalize online casinos in Maine, Gov. Janet Mills announced her intention to allow the proposal to become law.
It may not have been the cleanest route, clearest path to passage, or even the most expected outcome, but legal online casinos are coming to Maine. A day after the Maine legislative session began for the year, Gov. Janet Mills announced her intention to allow LD 1164 to become law, a piece of legislation that makes it the eighth state to legalize iGaming and the first to do so since Rhode Island launched casino apps in March 2024.
While still concerned about impact, Mills expects Maine online casinos to benefit tribes
It did not appear as if Maine would become one of the first states to legalize online casino sites for real money just a few months ago. High-level officials in the state government and land-based casinos opposed proposed legislation that would do so, for starters. On top of that, Mills decided in early July to delay dozens of bills that sat on her desk, including LD 1164.
If that weren't enough, aside from Mills' vocal opposition to gambling expansion in the state, the Main Gambling Control Board penned a letter to the governor that urged her to veto the bill.
Still, Mills announced this week that she would allow the proposal to pass, authorizing the four tribes of the Wabanaki Nations to offer casino games online.
In a statement, Mills said that she met with the five elected Chiefs of the Wabanaki Nations, all of whom "spoke passionately about the importance of this bill in offering life-changing revenue" for the tribal communities. While she still holds reservations regarding potential impacts of gambling on public health, she noted that online casinos should be regulated in the state and will benefit the tribes in Maine.
Tribes praise governor for legalizing Maine online casinos
Indeed, tribes in the state expressed support for legal online casino gambling in Maine, with each chief emphasizing the significant impact that the industry will have on tribal economies, according to the announcement.
Chief William Nicholas Sr. of the Passamaquoddy Tribe at Indian Township called the bill "an economic turning point" for his community, one akin to when Mills signed off on legalizing online sports betting in the state – through the tribes – in May 2022.
Similarly, Chief Clarissa Sabattis of the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians noted that offshore and illegal online casino sites have created environments that provided no protections for consumers. By legalizing online casinos in Maine, a regulated market will establish strict controls of the industry and "ensure much needed revenues" for the state.
By law, as one of 61 bills tabled by Mills last summer, the governor could only either veto proposed legislation or allow them to pass into law after three days of the new legislative session. All told, according to another announcement, Mills would allow for 52 of those bills to become law with only one veto (seven were recalled by the state legislature).
What Maine online casinos could be coming?
As written in the bill, Maine online casinos would adhere to a 16% tax rate, with the state using funds to address problem gambling programs, substance use disorders, veteran housing and emergency housing relief.
The bill includes a fiscal note that projects $3.6 million in state tax revenue by fiscal year 2026-27.
As for which online casinos Maine could expect, it may likely follow a similar path as sports betting. Three of the tribes are partnered with Caesars, meaning an avenue is open for a platform such as its flagship Caesars Palace Online Casino. Another tribe is partnered with DraftKings, which opens the door for DraftKings Casino.
