Maine is set to make history as it becomes the eighth U.S. state to legalize regulated online casino gaming, including slots, table games, and poker.
This pivotal decision comes in the wake of Governor Janet Mills' announcement that she would allow Legislative Document 1164, “An Act to Create Economic Opportunity for the Wabanaki Nations Through Internet Gaming,” to become law without her signature.
This legislative move is poised to bring significant changes to the state's economic landscape and offers unique opportunities for Maine's indigenous tribes.
"I considered this bill carefully, and while I have concerns about the impacts of gambling on public health, I believe that this new form of gambling should be regulated, and I am confident that Maine's Gambling Control Unit will develop responsible rules and standards to hold providers of this new form of gambling accountable while ensuring that Maine's tribes benefit from its operations," Governor Mills said.
This decision hung in limbo since July, when Governor Mills decided to postpone it. The state also issued a warning about sweepstakes casinos and social casino sites. The unit emphasized that these platforms are not licensed in Maine, advising consumers that participation involves significant risk.
The Wabanaki Nations at the Helm
LD 1164 grants exclusive rights to Maine's four federally recognized Wabanaki tribes—the Mi'kmaq, Maliseet, Penobscot, and Passamaquoddy—to operate online gambling, including poker and blackjack. Governor Mills cited discussions with tribal chiefs and the potential for positive economic impacts on tribal communities as key factors influencing her decision.
She stated, "This new form of gambling should be regulated, and I am confident that Maine's Gambling Control Unit will develop responsible rules and standards to hold providers…accountable while ensuring that Maine's tribes benefit from its operations."
This law follows a precedent set by LD 585 in 2022, which authorized the tribes to operate online sports wagering in the state.
Likely platform partners for the new iGaming operations include industry giants DraftKings and Caesars, which already have partnerships with tribal groups for mobile sports betting in Maine.
Economic and Social Impacts on Tribal Communities
For the Wabanaki Nations, LD 1164 represents more than just new revenue streams; it is a move toward enhanced economic sovereignty and self-determination.
Chief William Nicholas Sr. of the Passamaquoddy Tribe emphasized this, stating, "Governor Mills' support for historic advances…marks an economic turning point for the Passamaquoddy people and for all Wabanaki Nations. Our economies are undoubtedly stronger due to positive state policy changes under Governor Mills."
Beyond economic benefits, leaders of the Wabanaki Nations highlighted potential improvements in infrastructure, healthcare, and social services.
"Before this, the Governor supported launching Maine's mobile gaming market with a model based on Wabanaki ownership and key tax law changes that promoted economic growth at the Tribal nation, individual, and household levels. Through her leadership over two terms, she has demonstrated an unmatched commitment to tribal self-determination and prosperity, earning her place as the greatest ever Maine Governor champion for Wabanaki economic progress. We are deeply grateful for her partnership and support," Chief Nicholas Sr. said.
Chief Kirk Francis of the Penobscot Nation noted that this law will fuel essential government services like health, education, and law enforcement, extending benefits to neighboring rural communities.
Opposition To Online Gambling in Maine
Despite the optimistic outlook from the Wabanaki Nations, the journey to legalizing online gambling in Maine did not occur without dissent.
The Maine Gambling Control Board and commercial casino interests expressed concerns over potential impacts on existing brick-and-mortar casinos.
The primary opposition to the expansion of online gambling originates from Maine's two licensed casinos, Oxford Casino and Hollywood Casino in Bangor. Dan Walker, a lobbyist representing Oxford Casino and its owner, Churchill Downs, expressed concerns that the growth of online gambling might adversely affect their operations, potentially jeopardizing over 350 jobs provided by the casino.
Additionally, the National Association Against iGaming (NAAiG) has criticized Governor Mills' decision and plans to pursue a People's Veto referendum to challenge the law.
Governor Mills acknowledged the opposition but emphasized her belief in the Gambling Control Unit's capabilities to regulate the market responsibly.
The implementation details, such as launch timelines and specific regulations, are pending development by this unit. As such, the online casinos are not expected to go live immediately.
A Step Forward for Economic Development
All in all, the legalization of online gambling in Maine through LD 1164 signifies a critical step forward in empowering the Wabanaki Nations.
As tribal leaders anticipate significant economic and community benefits, the focus remains on developing a regulated iGaming environment that safeguards public health while promoting local prosperity.
Governor Mills' decision reflects a careful consideration of varied interests and paves the way for a historic collaboration between the state and its indigenous communities.
