Online gaming back on the table in Maine
Residents of Maine may be able to finally play casino games online if a new bill becomes law.
Legislative Document 1164 has passed through the Veterans and Legal Affairs committee and must now be considered by the House and Senate.
It proposes the legalization of online casino gaming, including blackjack, poker, roulette, and online slots, allowing people to play via mobile devices.
The bill also states that Maine’s Wabanaki Nations would have the exclusive rights to make contracts with internet gaming companies. Tribal leaders have said that the bill would provide important revenue for their communities.
In addition, the bill would allocate 16% of gaming revenue to the state, funding a range of programs, including those aimed at treating gambling addiction.
Opposition comes from those against expanding legal gambling and from Maine’s two non-tribal casinos, Hollywood Casino in Bangor and Oxford Casino.
According to the Executive Director of the Oxford Hills Chamber of Commerce, John Williams, the legalization of online gambling may cost Maine’s casinos as much as US$67 million in revenue and lead to the loss of around 400 jobs.
“It’s going to diminish the opportunity for revenue. It’s going to diminish the opportunity for people coming into Oxford Hills,” Williams told 13WGME.
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Charlotte Capewell brings her passion for storytelling and expertise in writing, researching, and the gambling industry to every article she writes. Her specialties include the US gambling industry, regulator legislation, igaming, and more.
