The Maine House has returned to considering a bill legalizing online casino operators after tabling it earlier this session.
LD 1164 passed out of the Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee with a favorable Ought-to-Pass As Amended vote last week. The bill would legalize online casino through the Wabanaki Nations.
It was previously tabled in April. The Maine legislature is in a special session, and bills can also be carried over to 2026. Previously, Gov. Janet Mills has said she would veto iGaming bills.
Bill details
LD 1164 would legalize online casinos through the Wabanaki Nations, similar to how the state legalized online sports betting. While it would create licenses for the four tribes, in sports betting, three tribes partnered with Caesars. Another tribe partnered with DraftKings.
Wabanaki leaders said the gambling would provide needed revenue and would not negatively affect the state’s commercial in-person casinos. They also argue that it would help eliminate an existing black market.
“Those revenues should be benefiting Mainers, not shadowy offshore companies or whoever runs the many apps that are currently available for illegal internet gaming,” said Chief William Nicholas Sr. of the Passamaquoddy Tribe at Motahkomikuk.
Maine would collect an 18% tax on the gambling. The state would use the funds to support gambling addiction prevention, veteran housing and opioid use treatment.
Maine fiscal note
A legislative fiscal note with the bill estimates the 18% tax would generate $1.8 million in the 2025-26 fiscal year, bumping up to $3.6 million in the 2026-27.
The fiscal note also warns that civil suits might rise due to the expansion, and that existing casino operators might see revenue decrease due to consumer shifts.
Concerns about online casino
Oxford Hills Chamber of Commerce is concerned about diminished revenue opportunities for its community should gambling expand online, per WGME 13.
The chamber estimates the state’s casinos could lose up to $67 million in revenue and 400 jobs if the proposal passes. Additionally, the chamber said the expansion should be decided on by residents at the polls. It is running an opposition campaign against the bill.
Maine casino operators Churchill Downs and Penn Entertainment previously came out against the proposed online casino expansion in the state.
