Maine Lawmakers Revisit iGaming Legislation

Lighthouse looking over the water in Cape Elizabeth Maine

A bipartisan proposal to legalize online casino gaming in Maine was back before state legislators this week, with supporters projecting tens of millions of dollars in new tax revenue. At the heart of the debate is a provision granting exclusive licensing rights to the Wabanaki Nations.

House Bill 1164, reintroduced to the Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee by Rep. Ambureen Rana (D-Bangor), would authorize iGaming and cede operational authority solely to Maine’s four federally recognized tribes. Modeled after the state’s 2023 online sports betting law, the legislation aims to curb unregulated activity via offshore sites while expanding economic opportunities for tribal and non-tribal communities, redirecting funds back into the state.

However, it is the exclusivity language that continues to spark debate. The bill reads: “Only a federally recognized Indian nation, tribe or band in this State is eligible to obtain a license and operate Internet gaming.”

Economic Justice Through Exclusivity

Tribal leaders and supporters argue that the bill would help correct long-standing disparities. Unlike many tribes across the U.S. that rely on gaming for economic development, Maine’s tribes have historically been excluded from such opportunities.

“Because the Wabanaki Nations have not enjoyed anywhere near the level of economic growth as that of other tribes in this country, they face an ongoing economic crisis,” Rana told the committee, defending the bill’s exclusivity clause. Under the proposal, revenue generated from iGaming would directly support tribal infrastructure and community development.

Although previous efforts to legalize iGaming have faltered over disagreements about control, this bill reframes the issue by focusing on historical inequity rather than competition.

Still, some lawmakers and industry stakeholders remain cautious, warning that the bill would create a tribal monopoly over online gaming, a charge Passamaquoddy Chief William Nicholas rebukes. He claims that monopolization is already embedded in the state’s existing gaming framework.

“We’ve watched out-of-state corporations monopolize Maine’s gaming industry for decades,” Nicholas said in testimony Monday. “Those casinos deliver tens of millions of dollars to out-of-state corporations every year… We all know that most of the revenues go right to Las Vegas and Kentucky, where they will never help Mainers again.”

Two Sides of the Coin

Major operators working with Maine tribes on sports betting, such as Caesars Entertainment and DraftKings, voiced support for the bill. They emphasized the mutual benefits of their existing relationships with tribal operators both culturally and economically. As well as the potential for expanded collaboration through iGaming.

“DraftKings is committed to giving back to tribal communities,” said Matt Scalf, government affairs manager at DraftKings in a submitted testimonial. “We work with all of our tribal partners to support initiatives and events that are important to each of their communities. We celebrate and honor tribal heritage and traditions.”

In its testimony, Caesars Entertainment noted the bill’s substantial financial benefit for the state. With a proposed tax rate of 16%, the operator projected $35 million in state revenue in the first year alone, with the potential to grow over time to $75 million annually.

Yet, Steve Silver, chairman of the Maine Gambling Control Board, urged lawmakers to consider a more inclusive approach.

“It is my personal belief that adult Mainers should be free to enjoy legal, regulated gaming in all its forms,” Silver wrote. “But I also believe that any qualified operator should have the ability to obtain an iGaming license, including the Wabanaki Nations. Cutting out Oxford and Hollywood casinos entirely from offering iGaming is ill-advised, in my opinion.”

Additional Concerns Raised

Beyond questions of fairness and access, opponents raised concerns about potential job losses at Maine’s land-based casinos, reduced operator diversity that could deter users from regulated platforms, and the mental health and addiction risks associated with expanding online gambling access.

While a vote on the bill is expected in the coming weeks, its path forward is uncertain. Last April, a similar proposal collapsed under the weight of disagreements over sovereignty, regulation, and economic control, issues that remain at the forefront of current debate.

As the conversation unfolds, one thing is clear. The future of online gaming in Maine hinges not just on legality, but on how lawmakers choose to define fairness.

Phil is a poker content creator, social media strategist, and avid player who has been involved in the game since 2019. He started out playing low-stakes home games before transitioning to casino cash games and tournaments. Through his poker-focused social media brand, @philthebeast, he has built a strong following and worked with several major names in poker media. Passionate about making poker fun and accessible, Phil’s goal is to grow the game and share his love for it with a wider audience.