Maine Senate advances tribal online casino bill

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The Maine Senate has approved a bill granting the state’s four federally recognized tribes exclusive rights to offer online table games, including poker, roulette, and blackjack.

The bill, LD 1164, advanced from the House of Representatives with a vote of 85-59 before passing

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again by 18-17 after initially stalling in the Senate. It now requires final action in both chambers before moving to Governor Janet Mills.

The legislation, sponsored by Rep. Ambureen Rana, would extend igaming rights to the Penobscot Nation, Passamaquoddy Tribe, Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, and Mi’kmaq Nation. The initiative builds on the tribes’ exclusive rights to online sports betting, which became active in 2023.

Under this bill, the state would collect 18% of gross receipts. The revenue would be granted to programs including gambling addiction services, opioid treatment, Maine Veterans’ Homes, the Fund for Healthy Maine, school renovation loans, and emergency housing support.

However, Governor Mills’ administration expressed opposition to the bill earlier in the year and is yet to provide an updated position.

Other opponents of the bill argue that if online gaming is legalized, it could lead to potential job losses at existing casinos and impacts on state-regulated gambling revenue. State regulators, including the Gambling Control Board, have also expressed concern.

The bill now awaits one final vote from both the House and Senate before it can advance to the governor.

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2025/06/16: Maine House of Representatives supports tribal online casino proposal 2025/03/17: Hawaii digital sports betting bill advances from Senate committee 2025/06/11: Maine gambling regulator issues warning over illegal online casino operators 2025/06/04: Online gaming back on the table in Maine