The bill, LD 1164, would grant the state’s four federally recognized tribes —the Penobscot Nation, Passamaquoddy Tribe, Maliseet Nation, and Mi’kmaq Nation —a monopoly over iGaming, similar to the current sports betting model in the state.

Each tribe would receive one license and could partner with a third-party operator. The tribes currently work with DraftKings and Caesars Entertainment for sports betting, meaning these partnerships are likely to expand to iGaming as well.

The proposed tax rate on iGaming revenue is 18%.

A Complicated Legislative Journey

The Senate passed the proposed legislation on June 25, one week after the House, sending the measure to the governor’s desk.

The bill’s path was anything but ordinary. Lawmakers initially tabled it in April. However, the House resurrected it and passed it in a special legislative session in June. The Senate then also advanced the measure as “to be engrossed as amended.”

That typically signals a bill is on track for passage. However, because the Senate advanced it without a majority roll-call vote, LD 1164 proceeded directly to the enactment stage.

The House enacted it straight away, but the Senate placed it on the Special Appropriations Table. The Senate’s decision effectively paused the progress until the state’s budget-writing committee approved further action.

After a week sitting on the Special Appropriations Table, the bill was removed, and the Senate ultimately passed it.

Still, even though the legislature passed it, speculations started circulating that the governor might veto it. She had not commented on it, but Mills has a history of vetoing gambling bills. Previous vetoes include a sports betting proposal in 2020 and a tribal retail casino bill in 2021.

Additionally, the governor’s administration, including the Maine Department of Health and Human Services and Maine Gambling Control Board Chair Steve Silver, testified against the bill in committee. They raised concerns about gambling addiction and job losses in the retail sector.

Mills Decides To Delay Bill Until 2026

In Maine, once both legislative chambers pass a bill and present it to the Governor, she has 10 days (excluding Sundays) to either sign it or veto it. The Governor can also allow it to become a law without a signature. However, that’s only if the Legislature is still in session.

If the Legislature has adjourned (as is the case now), Mills’s inaction results in a “pocket veto”, and the bill does not become law.

The 10-day deadline for LD 1164 expired on July 7. On the following day, the governor’s office released a list of 60 bills, including the iGaming bill, on which Mills has decided not to take any action.

That inaction effectively kills the bill for 2025. Still, the good news for Maine gamblers is that it does not entirely end its prospects. Under Maine law, LD 1164 will be held over to the next legislative session. Lawmakers will reconvene in January 2026.

Once the Legislature reconvenes in January 2026, the governor will have three days to sign, veto, or take no action on the bill. If she fails to act again, the bill will automatically become law.

The post Maine’s Online Casino Bill Now Pushed to 2026 as Governor Fails to Act appeared first on CasinoBeats.

Maine Online Casino Bill Clears Legislature

The path of LD 1164 has been anything but straightforward. After its introduction in March, it appeared dead when a House Committee tabled it in April.

Then, at the beginning of June, during the Maine Legislature’s special session, the House resurrected it. The chamber amended the tax rate from 16% to 18% and ultimately passed the proposal.

Less than a week later, in a day filled with procedural confusion, political maneuvering, and legislative theatrics, the Senate passed the measure as “to be engrossed as amended.”

Under normal circumstances, as both chambers engrossed LD 1164, it would mean that the bill is on track for passage. However, the Senate advanced it without a majority roll-call vote, deferring the final decision to the enactment stage.

The House quickly enacted the bill. However, on a motion by Sen. Peggy Rotundo, the Senate placed it on the Special Appropriations Table.

The Senate’s decision effectively paused the progress until the state’s budget-writing committee approved further action. Rotundo, the committee chair, played a pivotal role in the earlier drama.

The Senator abstained from the vote to pass the bill, meaning it failed by one vote. Still, she voted against a separate motion to reject it, keeping it alive.

After a week, Rotundo moved to take LD 1164 off the Special Appropriations Table. The Senate then voted to pass it to be enacted in concurrence with the House.

Why is a Gubernatorial Veto Possible?

While it received support from both chambers, LD 1164 faces its most formidable challenge yet: a potential veto by Gov. Mills.

The governor has not indicated or publicly commented on her intentions. Still, representatives of the native tribes that will control the iGaming licenses believe that there’s little interest from the governor to legalize online casinos.

One possible reason for hesitation is the strong opposition by government officials, civic groups, and industry stakeholders.

In a testimony, the Maine Department of Health and Human Services expressed concerns about addiction and 24/7 access to casino games.

Maine Gambling Control Board Chair Steve Silver echoed addiction concerns. He stated that iGaming legalization will result in job losses for the retail sector, which will cut revenue for education and other causes.

Meanwhile, the Christian Civic League of Maine warned that iGaming could prey on vulnerable populations, including young adults and individuals facing financial hardship.

In an unusual twist, several iGaming operators, including FanDuel, BetMGM, and Fanatics, also testified against LD 1164. Their concern is that they will likely be left out.

The native tribes have currently partnered with DraftKings and Caesars, and these partnerships are likely to extend to iGaming as well.

Governor Mills’ track record also signals a potential veto. She has previously vetoed gambling bills. Those include a sports betting proposal in 2020 and a tribal retail casino bill in 2021. While she signed the sports betting bill in 2022, that came after months of negotiations and compromise.

If Mills does veto the proposal, a legislative override is unlikely. That’s because it would need a two-thirds vote in both chambers, which is doubtful, given the lack of clear support in the Senate.

The post Online Casino Bill Clears Maine Senate, But Governor Mills May Veto LD 1164 appeared first on CasinoBeats.

The advancement was marked by a day filled with procedural confusion, political maneuvering, and legislative theatrics.

The bill, HB 1164, appeared to be dead after a House committee tabled it in April. However, the proposal resurfaced in the Maine Legislature’s special session, amended to increase the proposed tax rate from 16% to 18%. It passed in the House on June 13.

If enacted, the bill would grant the state’s four federally recognized tribes a monopoly over iGaming, similar to the current model for sports betting.

It would allow the Penobscot Nation, Passamaquoddy Tribe, Maliseet Nation, and Mi’kmaq Nation to hold one online casino license each.

Each tribe can partner with a platform provider. The tribes currently work with DraftKings and Caesars Entertainment for sports betting, so these partnerships are likely to extend to iGaming as well.

Senate Support, But Only Technically

The path of HB 1164 in the Senate proved to be anything but conventional.

When the bill crossed over to the Senate, the Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee’s recommendation set the tone for what was to come. While the majority approved the bill, a vocal minority opposed it, setting the stage for a divided vote on the floor.

Senator Peggy Rotundo played a pivotal role in the outcome. She abstained from the first vote to adopt the majority “ought to pass” recommendation, which led to a deadlock.

In a second vote aimed at accepting the minority “ought not to pass” recommendation, Rotundo voted against the motion, effectively keeping it alive.

With the Senate unable to pass either recommendation, the bill advanced unusually through a procedural move called “under the hammer.”

In such cases, the presiding officer pushes legislation forward without a roll call, unless someone explicitly objects. Without formal objections, the bill was deemed “passed to be engrossed as amended.”

Interestingly, several senators who had voted against the bill in roll calls didn’t block the bill under the hammer. That could signal that they preferred not to endorse the bill publicly, but did not want to block it either.

Not a Done Deal: Enactment and Governor’s Decision Await

While engrossment counts as a passage in the Senate, the bill has a few more steps to become a law. It now heads to the Revisor’s Office for technical editing and formatting. Then it returns for votes on enactment in the House and Senate.

While both chambers have technically passed it, the bill’s path proves that it’s anything but typical. So, opponents in either chamber have one more opportunity to block the final enactment.

If that doesn’t happen, there’s another major hurdle: Governor Janet Mills. The governor has long taken a cautious stance on expanding tribal sovereignty and gambling rights.

She hasn’t publicly commented on a veto, while her office says the administration is “monitoring” the bill. However, Wabanaki leaders indicate that there is little interest from the governor.

Industry Opposition and Tribal Sovereignty at Stake

Mills’ reservation to comment could be tied to a few factors.

During public hearings, Maine’s Department of Health and Human Services opposed the bill. Maine Gambling Control Board Chair Steve Silver was also against it.

As expected, Churchill Downs, which owns Oxford Casino, and Penn Entertainment, the owner of Hollywood Casino Bangor, oppose the bill. They argue that it could lead to a potential loss of market share.

In addition to industry opposition, Gov. Mills’ cautious stance could be due to the longstanding legal disputes in Maine over tribal rights.

The 1980 Maine Indian Claims Settlement Act treats the Wabanaki Nations differently from those in other states, treating them more like municipalities than sovereign tribal nations. The act also limits their ability to operate gambling activities allowed under the Indian Regulatory Act of 1988.

That slightly changed in 2022. The Maine Legislature amended the Settlement Act to allow the tribes to offer mobile sports betting.

HB 1164 looks to build on that, with supporters arguing it will benefit the tribes, who have historically been excluded from gaming and economic development opportunities.

The post Maine Senate Advances Online Casino Bill Amid Procedural Drama and Lingering Uncertainty appeared first on CasinoBeats.

LD1164 was introduced by Rep. Ambureen Rana (D-Bangor) and Sen. Marianne Moore (R-Calais) in March. After being tabled in April, it is under consideration in a special legislative session that runs until June 18. 

The House voted 85-59 in favor of the proposal, which has been backed by the Wabanaki Nations to increase their ability to offer online gambling. 

Online Casinos to Follow Maine Sports Betting Model

The bill still faces further votes in the House and Senate before it can be enacted. If it makes it through the legislative process, each of the four tribes in the Wabanaki Nations would be allowed to contract with a single iGaming operator to offer games like poker, blackjack, roulette, and slots.

Under the proposal, tribes will pay an 18% revenue tax to the state, which is estimated to generate $1.8 million in the first year, rising to over $3 million annually thereafter. 

Sports betting is already legal through the tribes, which sees the four tribes partner with an online sportsbook. The tribes pay $200,000 for a four-year online sports betting license as well as 10% of revenue in taxes. 

Rep. Brian Reynolds, the tribal representative for the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, commented that the model has been a success. Quoted in local media, Reynolds said: “We know how to do this the right way. We’ve seen how the regulation of sports wagering has worked in Maine quietly, efficiently, with no disruption to local communities. I-gaming will be no different. We are asking for the chance to build.”

Tribes back proposal to reduce illegal gambling

Chief William Nicholas Sr. of the Passamaquoddy tribe backs the bill to benefit Mainers and reduce the impact of illegal gambling websites. 

He commented: “The lost business opportunity for a legal and state-regulated entity is in the tens if not hundreds of millions of dollars per year.”

“Those revenues should be benefiting Mainers, not shadowy offshore companies or whoever runs the many apps that are currently available for illegal internet gaming.”

The Maine Gambling Control Unit (GCU) issued a public warning this week about illegal casino platforms. In a press release, the GCU stated: “The Gambling Control Unit wants to make it very clear: no online casino, iGaming, or sweepstakes site is licensed by the Gambling Control Unit.”

The statement added: “The Gambling Control Unit cannot provide assistance or intervention in cases of disputes regarding winnings or other account issues arising from participation in illegal iGaming.”

Bill still faces strong opposition  

The legislation still faces obstacles with opponents warning that legalization through the tribes will negatively impact commercial casinos in the state. 

Maine Gaming Control Board Chair Steve Silver commented in a recent hearing that, “Oxford and Hollywood Casinos employ nearly 1,000 Mainers. Legalizing iGaming without permitting them to participate will lead to job cuts — I am willing to bet on it.”

The Oxford Hills Chamber of Commerce estimates that legalizing online casinos could result in up to $67 million in lost revenue for the two operators and eliminate approximately 400 jobs.

Oxford Casino representative Dan Walker voiced the company’s opposition to the legislation, stating, “This bill would create a gaming monopoly for the Wabanaki Nations with little economic benefit to Maine.”

Governor Janet Mills has also expressed concern over legalizing iGaming and previously stated that she would veto any bills that reach her desk. 

The bill, therefore, still has a long way to go before online casinos in Maine become a reality. But the approval in the House marks progress on the issue that was rejected in a vote last year 75-70.

The post Maine House Votes To Allow Online Casinos Through Wabanaki Nations appeared first on CasinoBeats.

Legislative Document 1164, “An Act to Create Economic Opportunity for the Wabanaki Nations Through Internet Gaming,” stalled in the Joint Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee on Monday.

The proposed legislation would have given the tribes exclusive licenses to run online platforms offering casino-style games like poker, blackjack, and roulette. Revenues generated through these services would have been subjected to a 16% tax to help state-funded services such as addiction recovery and veterans’ programs.

The measure followed the 2022 legalization of online sports betting, which the Wabanaki already operates. Three of the tribes partner with Caesars Sportsbook, and the other is with DraftKings Sportsbook. 

Proponents Push Financial Benefits

Unsurprisingly, LD 1164 received support from Caesars and DraftKings but faced stiff opposition from Churchill Downs, FanDuel, PENN Entertainment, Maine Gambling Control Board Chair Steve Silver, and others.

Tribal leaders throughout Maine submitted written testimony in favor of the bill, highlighting its economic benefits and the need for more regulatory oversight.

At a committee hearing earlier this month, Pos Basset, Chief of the Passamaquoddy Tribe at Sipayik, testified that the bill would “generate revenues that will help us save enough money to do things like move our wastewater treatment plant and survive what’s to come from rising sea levels.”

He added: “(Online gaming) is already happening on peoples’ phones. Why not use the existing activity to benefit state and trivial governments?”

Rep. Aaron Dana of the Passamaquoddy Tribe stated: “For the Passamaquoddy Tribe and all the other Wabanaki communities, this is about fairness and the ability to participate in the industry that already benefits others across the country.”

Opponents, meanwhile, stressed that the bill would negatively impact jobs in the state.

Said Silver: “Oxford and Hollywood Casinos employ nearly 1,000 Mainers. Legalizing iGaming without permitting them to participate will lead to job cuts — I am willing to bet on it.”

Questions Persist in Maine Around Illegal Gaming

Rep. Anne Graham raised questions before the committee Monday about the prevalence of unregulated gaming in Maine.

“I wondered if we know what’s happening out there?” Graham asked. “My impression was that this is happening and it’s illegal, other states have chosen to make it legal, so I don’t know if we have any statistics or any awareness of how much of that is going on?”

As such, there have been calls for more information.

“It should be noted that there are probably lots of things that are happening illegally,” she added, “and that is not always a reason to authorize the activity. That was pointed out by people who did submit follow-up information and at the public hearing.”

Online gaming is currently legal in only the following states: Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and West Virginia. 

The post Maine Lawmakers Put Hold on Tribal Online Casino Gaming Bill appeared first on CasinoBeats.

LD 1164 is titled “An Act to Create Economic Opportunity for the Wabanaki Nations Through Internet Gaming.” 

The bill’s language would authorize each federally recognized Indian nation, tribe, or band (together known as the Wabanaki Nations) to operate Internet gaming. It explicitly states: “Only a federally recognized Indian nation, tribe or band in this State is eligible to obtain a license and operate Internet gaming.” 

The licensing structure would follow the law governing online sports wagering, which the Wabanaki Nations already operates. 

Currently, Caesars Entertainment works with three of the four tribes and DraftKings the other. There was a notable omission of heavyweight industry FanDuel and other brands such as BetMGM. 

Tribes and Operators Present Arguments in Favor of LD 1164

The Maine legislature has received written testimony from multiple stakeholders. Unsurprisingly, DraftKings and Caesars have supported the proposed legislation, whereas FanDuel, PENN, and Churchill Downs have opposed it. Several public health arguments also oppose the legalization of online gaming in the state.

Rep. Ambureen Rana, a bill sponsor, emphasized that legalization would “ensure that internet gaming revenue is kept in Maine, to benefit Maine communities.” 

Testimonies from tribal leaders stated that currently, Maine citizens already gamble online, but illegally, without consumer protection, and as a result, there’s missed economic opportunity. Chief Pos Bassett of the Passamaquoddy Tribe at Sipayik testified: “LD 1664 will generate revenues that will help us save enough money to do things like move our wastewater treatment plant and survive what’s to come from rising sea levels.” 

He continued: “[Online gaming] is already happening on peoples’ phones. Why not use the existing activity to benefit state and trivial governments?” 

Chief William Nicholas Sr. of the Passamaquoddy Tribe at Motahkomikuk echoed this positive sentiment. He said the bill “provides consumer protection and creates new governmental revenue without raising taxes on citizens.” 

Matt Scalf, Government Affairs Manager at DraftKings, voiced the operator’s support, stating: “Building on that, we are proud to be testifying here today in support of the Passamaquoddy Tribe and online gaming that supports economic independence for Maine’s tribal nations.” 

“Regulating online gaming provides new revenue… while setting consumer protections and regulating an illegal activity that is flourishing across the country,” added Scalf. 

Caesars Entertainment was also vocal in its support of the proposed legislation. The company currently partners with the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, the Mi’kmaq Nation, and the Penobscot Nation to offer online sports wagering. 

Joseph Tyrell, Caesars’ Vice President for Government Relations commented: “We support the iGaming tax rate of 16%… which we estimate could generate about $35 million in tax revenue to the state of Maine in the first year.” 

Oxford and Hollywood Casinos Raise Job Loss Concerns

However, there is vociferous opposition from all angles. Oxford Casino & Hotel and Hollywood Casino both voiced concerns about the impact on commercial casinos should they not be included in any legislation.

Matt Gallagher, General Manager of Oxford Casino & Hotel, said: “This bill would create an internet gaming monopoly for the Wabanaki Nations, with little economic benefit to Maine.” 

Chris Jackson, on behalf of Hollywood Casino & Raceway, added: “This would take money out of the State while creating minimal jobs, and worse, likely costing jobs by taking customers away from our two commercial casinos.” 

John Williams echoed this sentiment from the Oxford Hills Chamber of Commerce, who stated, “LD 1164 would threaten jobs in Oxford and Penobscot County while creating no new jobs in Maine.” 

Steve Silver, Chair of the Maine Gambling Control Board and often a supporter of gambling legalization, stated he could not support the bill as it is written. “Oxford and Hollywood Casinos employ nearly 1,0000 Mainers. Legalizing iGaming without permitting them to participate will lead to job cuts,” he said. 

Michael Venture, who works in State Government Relations for FanDuel, claims the proposed legislation and creation of a monopoly could drive further black market activity: “We are concerned that it will not create the healthy, regulated market that we have seen in many other states.” 

“The lack of legitimate choice for the consumer can encourage individuals to seek alternative methods outside of the regulated landscape,” he continued. 

Public Health Advocates Sound Alarm on Addiction Risks

A legislative debate around broadening gambling legalization wouldn’t be complete without public health advocates lambasting legalized online gaming. Nicholas Adolphsen, Executive Director of the Christian Civic League of Maine, testifies: “LD 1164 will not create opportunity—it will create orphans. It will rob children of fathers… and embolden an industry that profits off addiction.”

Dr Patty Hymanson, a physician, gave testimony, suggesting that bringing another addictive vice into the legal mainstream will put further strain on Maine’s behavioral health workforce. She emphasized: “Please be sure to find a funding source to identify and treat increased gambling addiction. In Maine, we do not have an adequate workforce to treat behavioral health problems as it is. Before adding Mainers and their families who will be hurt by this addiction, make sure there is a behavioral health system that can help to catch them.” 

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