Maine Revisits Bill to Legalize Tribal Online Casino Gaming

Maine lawmakers are once again debating the legalization of online casino gambling, centering discussions around a bill that would grant exclusive operational rights to the state’s recognized tribes. Legislative Document 1164 (LD 1164), first shelved earlier this year, has resurfaced as “unfinished business” during Maine’s special legislative session, which is scheduled to conclude by June 18.

LD 1164 Proposes Tribal Licensing for iGaming

Introduced by Rep. Ambureen Rana, LD 1164 seeks to authorize internet-based casino games — such as roulette and blackjack — under the management of Maine’s four federally recognized tribes , known collectively as the Wabanaki Nations. Each tribe would be eligible to partner with a single online gaming provider under this proposal. The state would apply a 16% tax rate on all revenues generated from online casinos, with regulatory oversight assigned to the existing Gambling Control Unit.

That regulatory body already manages sports betting in the state. Meanwhile, oversight of physical casino operations, including table games and slot machines, remains with the state’s Gambling Control Board. Online sports betting, currently legal in Maine, is also operated in coordination with the Wabanaki tribes under a similar framework.

Previous Attempt at Legalization Narrowly Failed

This is not the first time such a proposal has come before Maine’s legislature. In 2023, Rep. Laura Supica introduced LD 1777, a similar bill that would have allowed the Wabanaki Nations exclusive access to online casino licenses, though with a lower tax rate of 10%. While it ed in the state Senate, it was narrowly defeated in the House with a 75-70 vote.

Critics of that bill raised concerns about problem gambling and the exclusion of commercial casinos from online revenue opportunities — issues that have once again surfaced during deliberations over LD 1164.

Casino Industry Pushes Back on Tribal Monopoly

Not all stakeholders are on board with the proposed framework. Two of the state’s largest casino operators, Churchill Downs (which runs Oxford Casino) and PENN Entertainment (which operates Hollywood Casino Hotel & Raceway Bangor), have voiced strong opposition. They argue that LD 1164 would give the tribes disproportionate control over online casino gaming in the state.

“This bill would create a gaming monopoly for the Wabanaki Nations with little economic benefit to Maine,” said Dan Walker, representing Oxford Casino, during testimony earlier this year.

Major online gaming brands including FanDuel, BetMGM, and Fanatics have also weighed in, urging lawmakers to revise the bill to allow tribes to work with more than one iGaming partner, potentially opening the market to greater competition.

Regulatory Warnings as Legal Debate Continues

Amid ongoing legislative discussions, the Maine Gambling Control Unit has issued a public reminder about the legal status of internet gambling in the state. Director Milton Champion cautioned that no internet casino, iGaming site, or sweepstakes platform currently holds a valid operating license in Maine.

With lawmakers under pressure to conclude their session soon, the fate of LD 1164 hangs in the balance — poised to either reshape Maine’s digital gambling landscape or return once again to legislative limbo.

Source:

“Maine may legalize more forms of online gambling”, pressherald.com, Jun 5, 2025