Maine’s Online Casino Bill Back in House

A Tribal Gaming Push Advances

Maine’s Legislative Document 1164 (LD 1164), which would legalize online casinos exclusively for the Wabanaki Nations, progressed. After initial stalling, the bill passed the House 85-59 and squeaked through the Senate 18-17.

Now back in the House for final votes before the June 18 legislative deadline, LD 1164 aims to grant the Penobscot Nation, Passamaquoddy Tribe, Maliseet Nation, and Mi’kmaq Nation sole rights to offer online slots, poker, blackjack, and roulette.

LD 1164 mirrors Maine’s tribal-exclusive online sports betting model, where Wabanaki Nations partner with operators like DraftKings and Caesars. Each tribe could secure one iGaming license, allowing collaborations with commercial providers to run online casinos.

The Senate bumped the tax rate from 16% to 18%, aiming to fund state programs. The bill bars commercial casino operators, PENN Entertainment and Churchill Downs, from the online market, sparking their vocal resistance. DraftKings and Caesars, tied to tribal sportsbooks, back the bill, seeing it as a natural expansion.

Opposition from Casinos and FanDuel

PENN Entertainment and Churchill Downs, owners of Maine’s Oxford Casino and Hollywood Casino Bangor, fiercely oppose LD 1164.

They argue a tribal monopoly on iGaming would gut their land-based revenue and stifle competition. Churchill Downs, a National Association Against iGaming member, led a similar fight last year, derailing a prior iGaming bill.

FanDuel, surprisingly, also raised concerns, despite welcoming iGaming talks. “This won’t create a healthy market,” a FanDuel spokesperson said, noting their exclusion since DraftKings and Caesars already partner with tribes, limiting the market to two operators.

Governor Janet Mills remains a wildcard. Known for her caution on gambling expansion, Mills hasn’t commented on LD 1164 but opposed past tribal sovereignty efforts.

A veto is expected if the bill passes final votes, requiring a two-thirds majority in both chambers to override. The House might muster the votes, but the Senate’s razor-thin 18-17 approval suggests an override is rather unlikely.