A proposed law aiming to legalize online casino gaming in Maine may face a veto from Governor Janet Mills as a recent survey indicates significant public disapproval. Additionally, state gambling officials have raised concerns about potential job losses and market monopolization.
The legislation, LD 1164, has gained approval from Maine lawmakers and would enable the state’s four Wabanaki Nations tribes to operate online casino games via third-party providers. This bill grants tribal nations sole authority over internet casino gaming within the state, featuring games such as blackjack, poker, roulette, and baccarat.
Mills has a three-day period starting from January 7 to veto the bill. Should she remain inactive, the legislation will automatically become law without her endorsement. It is anticipated that Mills will veto the proposal.
A survey conducted by Lake Research and commissioned by the National Association Against iGaming (NAAiG) revealed that 64% of voters in Maine oppose the legalization of iGaming, with nearly 49% expressing strong opposition. Merely 16% of participants indicated support for legalization.
The survey highlighted that resistance to the bill persisted even when voters were informed of potential advantages, including new revenue for tribal gaming operators. Additionally, 51% of participants indicated they would be less likely to support a political candidate endorsing iGaming.
“Only seven states have legalized iGaming, with none adopting it since 2023,” commented NAAiG in a statement accompanying the survey.
The Maine Gambling Control Board has formally requested that Mills veto the bill, citing worries that excluding the two commercial casinos in the state — Oxford Casino and Hollywood Casino — may create a monopoly for tribal collaborations with Caesars Palace Online Casino and DraftKings Casino.
The board cautioned that this structure could adversely impact casino employees and patrons, warning that nearly 1,000 workers at the commercial casinos might suffer job losses due to exclusion from the online market. They also raised alarms regarding escalating gambling addiction and risks to responsible gambling initiatives.
“Close to 1,000 staff members at these commercial casinos risk job loss if they are barred from the online casino market,” the board emphasized.
Opposition to the bill transcends party lines and includes commercial casino operators such as Churchill Downs and Penn Entertainment, which manage Maine’s two physical casinos.
NAAiG noted that politically similar states, including Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and New York, have deemed iGaming too risky, emphasizing that Maine would stand out as an anomaly both in New England and nationwide if the bill is approved.
Currently, merely seven U.S. states permit internet casinos: Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and West Virginia. No state has authorized iGaming since 2023, and some analysts predict that no further additions will occur until at least 2026. Experts suggest that Florida might be the only state to enact iGaming before the end of 2027.
If enacted, LD 1164 is estimated to generate $3.6 million in tax revenue by the 2026–2027 fiscal year, with revenue allocated for gambling addiction treatment, substance abuse services, and housing initiatives.
Maine legislators are also examining a different proposal aimed at banning dual-currency online sweepstakes casinos. The Maine Gambling Control Unit has issued alerts regarding such sites, with additional legislative discussions set for January 14.
“Legalizing iGaming is extremely unpopular, poses political risks, and is perceived as a direct threat to children, families, and communities,” NAAiG warned. “The prudent decision is to veto this legislation.”