Maine Governor halts online gaming expansion bill
Maine Gov. Janet Mills has paused a decision on Legislative Document 1164, a bill that would expand online gambling in the state.
The bill, which advanced from both the House and the Senate in June, would grant the Passamaquoddy Tribe, the Penobscot Nation, the Mi’kmaq Nation, and the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians the ability to offer online casino games like blackjack and poker by entering contract agreements with casino game vendors.
Proponents of the bill have argued that the extra tax revenue from expanding the gambling market will benefit the state as well as the tribal nations. Opposition, however, is worried about the long-term effect expansion could have concerning gambling addiction.
Gov. Mills is prohibited from using her vetoing powers until the legislature reconvenes in 2026. Despite this, her administration has previously expressed its opposition to the expansion of gambling.
The governor’s office said in a statement, “The legislature passed a significant number of bills at the end of session, and the governor takes seriously her constitutional obligation to thoroughly review all of them and to evaluate their implications on Maine people, Maine businesses, and the Maine economy.
“In order to meet that responsibility, she will continue to review these bills and gather more information, and she looks forward to acting on them at the beginning of the next legislative session.”
The bill could still be passed or vetoed without Gov. Mills’ signature, but the governor needs lawmakers to meet for at least three days before this would be possible.
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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.
