Maine is set to be the eighth U.S. state to endorse regulated real-money online casino gambling, as Governor Janet Mills announced on Thursday that she would not block a bill that grants exclusive rights to the state’s federally recognized tribes.

The bill, known as LD 1164, grants the Passamaquoddy Tribe, the Penobscot Nation, the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, and the Mi’kmaq Nation (also recognized as the Aroostook Band of Micmacs) the exclusive privileges to run online casino gaming in Maine. Each tribal entity is permitted to collaborate with one licensed platform, with an annual fee of $50,000 per platform.

Regulated online casino gaming activities could kick off 90 days after the end of the forthcoming legislative session.

Mills remarked that her support for the bill came after discussions with five elected chiefs from the Wabanaki Nations, who emphasized that the legislation is essential for economic independence and a source of “life-altering revenue” for tribal communities.

“I evaluated this bill thoroughly, and despite my concerns regarding the implications of gambling on public health, I am convinced this new gambling method should be regulated,” Mills stated. She expressed confidence that the Maine Gambling Control Unit would establish responsible regulations while ensuring the benefits flow to the state’s tribes.

“I have always aimed to collaborate with tribal leaders to enhance the quality of life and economic prospects for the Wabanaki Nations, and I hope this new revenue will be instrumental in achieving that,” she added.

Tribal leaders expressed their approval of the decision, calling it a comprehensive step towards self-governance and economic growth. Passamaquoddy Chief William Nicholas Sr. termed Mills’ support as “an economic milestone for the Passamaquoddy people and all Wabanaki Nations,” claiming that tribal economies would “indeed be stronger due to favorable state policies under Governor Mills.”

Penobscot Nation Chief Kirk Francis noted that the income generated from online casino activities would be pivotal in funding essential government services and supporting nearby rural areas.

This legislation encountered resistance from state regulators and anti-gambling advocates. The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the Maine Gambling Control Board voiced concerns about addiction potential, workforce impacts, and concerns over increased online gambling.

Previously, the Maine Gambling Control Board had objected to the exclusion of existing physical casinos from online gaming, warning that “excluding Oxford and Hollywood Casinos from offering iGaming is imprudent and creates a monopoly detrimental to both consumers and the Maine workforce employed by these casinos.”

The National Association Against iGaming (NAAiG) condemned Mills’ decision, stating it reflects “a clear deviation from the Governor’s previous stance.” The group argues that Mills neglected significant public disapproval, expert advice from her regulators, and “a robust gaming framework that has benefited Maine communities and tribal nations for over a decade.”

NAAiG also indicated that recent surveys revealed widespread disapproval of online casino gaming among Maine voters, accusing Mills of changing her position during a U.S. Senate campaign. “The timing of this decision cannot be overlooked,” the organization mentioned, asserting that it is hard to interpret this change as anything but a politically motivated move, rather than one rooted in public interest or empirical evidence.

The organization intends to launch a ballot initiative to contest and potentially overturn the law. “We will not accept this decision passively, and we will ensure that the people of Maine have the ultimate say,” they stated.

According to the new legislation, Maine will receive 18% of gross online casino earnings, with funds allocated for gambling addiction prevention and treatment, opioid misuse prevention and treatment, Maine Veterans’ Homes, the Fund for Healthy Maine, school renovation loans, and emergency housing assistance.