Suit already
Oxford Casino Hotel is suing the Maine regulator just a few weeks after the state legalized online casino gambling.
tribes exclusivity over iGaming
The Churchill Downs-owned casino is accusing the Maine Gambling Control Unit (MGCU) of unlawfully granting the state’s four Wabanaki Nations tribes exclusivity over iGaming.
Earlier this month, a Passamaquoddy Tribe Chief praised Maine Governor Janet Mills as “the greatest ever” after she allowed the state’s iGaming bill LD 1164 to pass into law.
Oxford Casino stated in its lawsuit, however, that it will lose “millions of dollars” now that LD 1164 cuts it out of any iGaming action, and has accused Maine of sanctioning a “race-based monopoly.”
Claims of discrimination
Oxford, which along with Hollywood Casino represents Maine’s sole commercial casino footprint, is suing the state for violating US and state Equal Protection Clauses, which prohibit against discrimination.
deals a gut-wrenching blow to Maine businesses like Oxford Casino”
“Promoting iGaming through race-based preferences deals a gut-wrenching blow to Maine businesses like Oxford Casino that have heavily invested in the state and its people,” the casino’s lawsuit stated.
The Churchill Downs-owned plaintiff also referenced a study from the National Association Against iGaming (NAAiG) that estimated online casinos could cost the state hundreds of jobs, $22m in lost labor funds, and a loss of $60m to Maine’s economy.
NAAiG and ironically the MGCU have been the most vocal dissenters against Mills not doing what she did to pass LD 1164. Rather than sign the bill into law like in other states, Gov Mills simply didn’t apply her powers of veto to the bill, which allowed it to pass.
The MGCU warned Mills against the potential impact of exclusive iGaming on Oxford and Hollywood, and called on her to heed the NAAiG estimate.
Tribes on top
Mills was also Governor when Maine’s tribes launched online sports betting in November 2023 and is held in high esteem by the Wabanaki Nations.
After news of Oxford’s lawsuit, Passamaquoddy Tribe Chief William Nicholas once again singled Mills out for supporting tribal efforts in legalizing iGaming after years of legislative hold ups, before taking a pop at the plaintiffs.
“For years out-of-state interests have been enriched in their monopoly and now are attacking Mainers who are here to support and keep Maine economics in Maine.”
