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State of Play’s TL;DR
- Caesars Entertainment says it wants to launch online casino gaming in Maine through an expanded partnership with three Wabanaki Nations.
- The plan still needs regulatory approval.
Caesars Entertainment announced that it has expanded its partnership with three tribal nations to include online casino gaming in Maine. The company said the proposed launch is subject to regulatory approval and could take place in the next six months.
Caesars said the agreement with the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, the Mi’kmaq Nation, and the Penobscot Nation builds on its sportsbook relationship in Maine, which began in 2023. Caesars would control 75% of the available online casino licenses in the state, according to Legal Sports Report.
If approved, Caesars intends to offer Caesars Palace Online Casino, Caesars Sportsbook and Horseshoe Online Casino in the state. The planned platforms would include slot games, table games, and live dealer products.
Caesars also said the online casino products would connect with Caesars Sportsbook through a single login and wallet system using its Universal Digital Wallet. Eligible play would also link to Caesars Rewards, allowing customers to earn reward credits redeemable across Caesars properties.
Opposition to online casinos remains
Eric Hession, president of Caesars Digital, said the company is “proud to expand our partnership” with the tribal nations as it looks ahead to online casino gaming in Maine. He also said Caesars is 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.”
Leaders from the three tribal nations also framed the agreement as a long-term economic development opportunity.
Chief Kirk Francis of the Penobscot Nation said the partnership respects tribal sovereignty and supports “long-term success for the Wabanaki Nations.” Chief Sheila McCormack of the Mi’kmaq Nation said expansion into online casino gaming could create economic opportunities while remaining “responsible” and “well-regulated.” Chief Clarissa Sabattis of the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians said internet gaming revenue could provide a more secure long-term source of funding for essential services and community infrastructure.
The Passamaquoddy Tribe has not announced who it plans to partner with to secure the final online casino license. The tribe currently partners with DraftKings to offer sports betting. A Boston Globe report said DraftKings is working behind the scenes to secure an online casino deal with the tribe, according to LSR.
Legalized online casino gambling in Maine still faces opposition. The National Association Against iGaming is reportedly working to collect enough signatures to get a referendum on the ballot opposing online casinos, while Churchill Downs, which owns the state’s two commercial casinos, has filed suit to have the law invalidated.
Based on reporting by Amelia Martinez for iGaming Future and Matthew Waters for Legal Sports Report.
