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Maine became the eighth state to legalize online casinos after Gov. Janet Mills allowed a bill that includes online gaming to become law.
The legislation allows the five tribes of the Wabanaki Nations to offer online gaming through partnerships with online casino operators. The law mirrors the state’s sports betting rules, which give tribes exclusive rights to offer mobile and desktop wagering.
“It has always been my strong desire to work with tribal leaders to improve the lives and livelihoods of the Wabanaki Nations, and it is my hope that this new revenue will do just that,” Mills said in a statement.
Tribal online casino licenses and timeline
Maine set a precedent in 2022 when Mills approved a bill allowing online sports betting exclusively for federally recognized tribes. That approach gave tribes unchallenged access to maximize handle and revenue. The new online casino law follows the same model.
Only federally recognized tribes in Maine may obtain an online casino license, with each tribe allowed one license. The initial license fee is $50,000, significantly lower than fees in other states.
Before real-money online casinos launch—typically 12 to 18 months—Maine’s Gaming Control Unit can issue temporary licenses to tribes that meet basic requirements, letting them offer iGaming while completing full licensing procedures.
Certain individuals will be barred from opening accounts when Maine online casinos go live, including those under 21, casino operators and employees, Gaming Control Unit staff, anyone placing bets for others, and anyone outside Maine.
What Maine online casino players can expect
In the months ahead, Maine will announce online casino partnerships, which could include major operators such as FanDuel Casino or DraftKings Casino. Online casino margins are higher than sports betting, making the market appealing to major operators.
After operators are selected—either individually for each tribe or shared among tribes—players will likely have the opportunity to create accounts and enroll in promotions before the official launch. Once live, players can expect top online slots from leading game studios.
Maine’s online casino tax rules explained
Maine’s online casino law sets an 18% tax on adjusted gross revenue—the winnings operators keep after paying player prizes and promotions. The tax revenue will be split across eight state programs:
- 5% to the Maine Veterans’ Homes Stabilization Fund
- 2.5% to the Dairy Stabilization Tier Program
- 2% to the Gambling Control Unit’s Administrative Expenses Fund
- 2% to the Gambling Addiction Prevention and Treatment Fund
- 2% to the Emergency Housing Relief Fund
- 2% to the School Revolving Renovation Fund
- 1.5% to the Opioid Use Disorder Prevention and Treatment Fund
- 1% to the Fund for a Healthy Maine
The future of tribal gaming in Maine
Maine’s legalization of online casinos is a major expansion of tribal gaming, providing new revenue opportunities for the state and the Wabanaki Nations. Online casinos are expected to launch within 12 to 18 months, offering Maine players legal access to some of the country’s most popular online casino games.
