Maine is poised to become the eighth state in the US to legalize online casinos, joining New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, West Virginia, Delaware, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. This follows Governor Janet Mills’ announcement that she will sign LD 1164, “An Act to Create Economic Opportunities for the Wabanaki Nations Through Internet Gaming,” to take effect as law.
What Would the New Law Do?
With the bill being signed into law, Maine’s four Wabanaki Nations – Penobscot Nation, Passamaquoddy Tribe, Mi’kmaq Nation, and Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians – will be the only ones to be able to obtain licenses for online casinos. The bill initially headed to Gov. Mills’ desk in June of last year, but did not take action at the time, as the legislative session expired.
Now that the governor signed the bill, online casino revenue would be subject to an 18% tax, with bill sponsors projecting $1.8 million in state revenue in the first year and more than $3 million per year in subsequent years. Oversight would be shared between tribal and state gaming authorities, mirroring the current online sports betting framework, which sees three tribes partner with Caesars and one with DraftKings.
Officials Talk About the Bill
Governor Mills said that before signing the bill, she met with the five elected Chiefs of the Wabanaki Nations. They emphasized the bill’s importance for generating significant revenue and strengthening economic sovereignty for Tribal communities. While acknowledging concerns about gambling’s public health impacts, she said that regulatory measures are taken and expressed confidence that Maine’s Gambling Control Unit will ensure accountability while benefiting the tribes.
Chief William Nicholas Sr. of the Passamaquoddy Tribe at Indian Township said that Governor Mills’ backing of historic strides in tribal economic development represents a significant economic milestone for the Passamaquoddy and all Wabanaki Nations. Throughout her two terms, she has shown a strong commitment to tribal self-determination and prosperity, the Chief said.
Chief Amkuwiposohehs “Pos” Bassett from the Passamaquoddy Tribe at Sipayik echoed those feelings, saying that with this action, Gov. Mills truly supports the Wabanaki people. Chief Sheila McCormack of the Mi’kmaq Nation also expressed gratitude for the governor’s decision, saying that the new law will provide new and sustainable revenue that will deliver needed resources to invest in the native communities.
Meanwhile, Chief Kirk Francis of the Penobscot Nation said the community is very excited about the enactment of LD 1164 and also stated the importance of the revenue stream that will flow into the nation following the adoption of the law. Last, but not least, Chief Clarissa Sabattis of the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians extended gratitude to both Gov. Mills and the other Wabanaki Nations for joining together to make LD 1164 law.
However, despite the positive reception from indigenous nations, many Maine residents oppose iGaming, according to a recent survey by the National Association Against iGaming (NAAiG).