Maine Online Gambling Expansion Endorsed by Tribal Leaders

Maine is one US state that introduced legal online sports betting early in November 2023. Since then, the activity’s popularity has been steadily growing and federally recognized Indian Tribes have joined forces with commercial operators to offer mobile betting across the state.

Now, a new proposal, backed by Indian Tribes, proposes the legalization of online gambling activities such as craps, roulette, and other casino-style games.

Money Spent on Online Gambling Should Benefit Maine

The proposal marks the latest push toward iGaming legalization in Maine. It comes after an online gambling bill last year failed to pick up speed. The effort under the proposal LD 1164, titled “An Act to Create Economic Opportunity for the Wabanaki Nations Through Internet Gaming,” mirrors the push from last year.

The new proposal is supported by tribal leaders in Maine and is expected to bring significant economic stimulus. However, it’s not only the four tribes that would benefit by securing exclusive rights to online gambling, considering that under the proposal, 16% of the proceeds would be transferred to the state.

LD 1164 was up for discussion by the Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee on Monday of this week. Supporters of the proposal, including the Passamaquoddy Tribe’s chief, William Nicholas, highlighted the benefits of legal iGaming. “It helps us address housing needs, health disparities, elderly needs, things that are funded solely by the tribe,” he explained, as quoted by News Center Maine.

Currently, the tribes are benefitting from sports betting. However, in the words of Nicholas, there are millions in revenue that can be captured from online gambling, which is now flowing into illegal gambling. “Those revenues should be benefiting Mainers,” he added.

iGaming Opponents Argue the Activity Would Create Little Benefit for the State

Undoubtedly, legalizing online gambling would help decrease the share of the black market. Simultaneously, players will benefit from better protection and in cases of disputes and would have rights which is not the case for illegal iGaming operators.

Despite the economic benefits, not everyone agrees with LD 1164. Notably, the proposal faces pushback from the state’s two land-based casinos, Hollywood Casino and Oxford Casino.

According to Dan Walker, who represents Churchill Downs, the owner of Oxford Casino, iGaming legalization may be detrimental to the venue. “This bill would create a gaming monopoly for the Wabanaki Nations with little economic benefit to Maine,” he warned. Walker pointed to cases in other states where the legalization of online gambling hurt brick-and-mortar casinos.

Other opponents feared the impact iGaming may have on Maine’s residents. The idea of being able to access casino games at the touch of a screen has long been opposed by charities and gambling treatment organizations.

Still, whether or not the proposal will succeed this year is yet to be seen.