Maine Approves Tribal-Only Online Casino Gaming

Maine has moved to expand online gambling by granting the Wabanaki Nations exclusive authority to operate internet casino gaming in the state. Gov. Janet Mills announced she would allow legislation passed in the previous session to become law, even though her administration had earlier opposed the proposal.

Mills said her decision followed meetings with elected leaders of the Mi’kmaq Nation, Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, Penobscot Nation, and Passamaquoddy Tribes. She noted that Tribal leaders emphasized the bill’s potential to provide lasting revenue and strengthen economic sovereignty.

The governor reiterated concerns about gambling’s public health impact while explaining her support for regulation. “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,” Mills said, adding that she was confident “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.”

Tribal Leaders Cite Revenue and Self-Governance

Tribal leaders praised the law as a meaningful economic shift. Penobscot Chief Kirk Francis said, “This cooperative approach and open-mindedness have led to passage of a historic Tribal economic bill that will benefit not just the Wabanaki people but all of Maine.” He added, “It represents a recognition of and support for economic Tribal self-governance and self-determination.”

Mi’kmaq Chief Sheila McCormack focused on community investment, stating, “This bill will provide new and sustainable revenue that will deliver needed resources to invest in our community and provide for the health, welfare, and safety of our citizens.”

Clarissa Sabattis, chief of the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, called the law “an incredible step for all of us.” She also pointed to consumer protection concerns, saying, “For too long black-market websites have hosted illegal iGaming, with no protection for our youth and vulnerable adults.” Sabattis added, “LD 1164 will create a closely regulated iGaming market with strict controls and will ensure much needed revenues remain in Maine.”

Structure of the New Law

The legislation makes Maine the eighth state to legalize real-money online casinos. Each of the four federally recognized Tribes may partner with one third-party operator. Two Tribes have already partnered with Caesars and DraftKings. The state has not announced a launch date.

The Gambling Control Board opposed the bill, warning it would exclude Maine’s commercial casinos. In a letter to the governor, the board wrote, “Cutting out Oxford and Hollywood Casinos entirely from offering iGaming is ill-advised and creates a monopoly that is harmful to consumers and the Maine workers employed by Oxford and Hollywood Casinos.”

Several commercial operators also opposed the measure. FanDuel executive Michael Ventre testified that it “would not create the healthy, regulated market that we have seen in many other states.”

Maine’s decision comes as other states, including New York and Virginia, again consider online casino legislation amid continued political resistance nationwide.

Source:

"Wabanaki Nations to have exclusive iGaming rights in Maine", mainemorningstar.com, January 8 2026