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State of Play
- The fate of Maine’s online casino bill, LD 1164, hangs in the balance as Gov. Janet Mills weighs whether to sign or veto the legislation that would legalize online casino gaming for tribal nations.
- This decision comes alongside a separate proposed ban on online sweepstakes casinos, marking a pivotal moment for the state’s gambling landscape.
Maine lawmakers have approved LD 1164, which would allow the four Wabanaki Nations tribes to offer online casino games via third-party operators, following a model similar to the state’s sports betting framework.
However, the Maine Gambling Control Board officially requested Gov. Janet Mills to veto the bill, citing concerns over the exclusion of Oxford Casino and Hollywood Casino from the online casino market. The board argued this exclusion creates a monopoly for tribal partnerships with Caesars Palace Online Casino and DraftKings Casino and could harm local casino workers and consumers.
Steven J. Silver, chair of the board, emphasized that nearly 1,000 employees at these commercial casinos risk losing their jobs if excluded from the online casino market. Additionally, the board pointed to alarming increases in problem gambling, cautioning that expanded online gaming access could hurt responsible gambling efforts.
Maine lawmakers consider banning sweeps
If enacted, LD 1164 would generate significant new tax revenue – estimated at $3.6 million by fiscal year 2026-2027 – allocated to problem gaming programs, substance use disorder services, and housing initiatives.
This bill means access to online versions of popular casino games like blackjack, poker, roulette, and baccarat via tribal operators. However, without allowing Oxford and Hollywood Casinos to participate, the bill raises concerns about market fairness and job stability in Maine’s gambling sector.
Concurrently, lawmakers are reviewing a proposal to ban dual-currency online sweepstakes casinos, targeting unlicensed platforms that have already drawn warnings from the Maine Gambling Control Unit. This dual approach highlights Maine’s effort to both expand regulated online gambling and clamp down on illegal sites, affecting both consumers and operators.
Mills faces a tight deadline starting Jan. 7, with just three days to sign, veto, or let LD 1164 become law without her signature. Her decision will define Maine’s online gambling regulatory stance for the coming years.
Meanwhile, the state prepares for further legislative scrutiny of sweepstakes casinos on Jan. 14.
Based on reporting by Johhny K. for World Casino News.
