If Governor Janet Mills decides to sign an iGaming bill into law, it will make Maine just the 8th state to legalize the activity. The legislation did well to make it this far, as it was shelved up until a few weeks ago before getting a new lease of life with the calling of a special legislative session.
The Senate and House proceeded to vote in favor of the proposal that would allow Wabanaki Nations to operate iGaming in the state.
Governor Mills might decide to veto the bill, as she’s not the biggest proponent of gambling expansion
Speculation is doing the rounds that Governor Mills might decide to veto the bill, as she’s not the biggest proponent of gambling expansion in the state. Mills has a track record of opposing similar bills, such as in June 2021 when she vetoed a bill letting tribes offer casino gambling on their lands.
Land-based commercial casino operators in the state, Penn Entertainment and Churchill Downs, will likely make their thoughts known on the possible effect of legal iGaming on their revenue and jobs.
The Passamaquoddy, Penobscot, Micmac, and Maliseet tribes would have exclusive control, with each able to partner with a third party to run the online casino. A 16% tax rate would be in place, with the note for the upcoming budget allocating $3.6m in tax revenue from iGaming by the 2026-2027 fiscal year.
