Maine Looks At iGaming Legislation

At about this time last year, lawmakers in the state of Maine considered the possibility of introducing iGaming legislation. However, it was to no avail, as opposition throughout the state rallied to stop anything from materializing. It's a new year, and House Representative Rep. Ambureen Rana has decided that the question of legalizing online casino gambling for residents is an issue worth revisiting.

Rep. Rana is the sponsor of LD 1164. With the legislature opened for 2025, this was one of the first bills introduced on the floor. As was the case in 2024, the bill had some support, but the opposition had clearly been mobilized.

On the yes side were Indian tribe representatives and state residents who simply wanted the right to play online casino games of chance for cash from the comfort of their homes.

The main opposition was led by yet another group of residents, plus opponents of expanding Tribal exclusivity over casino gambling and healthcare officials who cited concerns of problem gambling issues. Also, representatives of online gambling operators like FanDuel were on hand to testify and offer their opposition to the legislation if non-tribal concerns were to be excluded from participating in Maine's iGaming market.

Committee on Veterans and Legal Affairs Hosts Hearings

As was the case with last year's iGaming legislation, Bill LD 1777, the hearings were hosted by the Maine House of Representatives’ Committee on Veterans and Legal Affairs. Testifying in support of LD 1164 was Joseph Tyrrell, the VP of Government Relations for the NE Region for Caesars Entertainment. It's worth noting that Caesars is already providing online sports betting services through three Wabanaki Nation tribes that are located within the state's boundaries.

Speaking on behalf of the opposing side was Steve Silver of the Maine Gambling Control Unit (MGCU). Representing the MGCU, he opposed exclusively giving iGAming licenses to Maine INdian tribes, something that would cut outside gambling concerns from having access to Maine's online gambling. His opposition was backed by Michael Ventre, representing FanDuel's Government Relations staff. Simply put, the online gambling operator wanted to assert that they believe Maine should be an open market.

How the Legislation Might Progress

When LD 1777 was presented for voting in 2024, it failed to pass by five (5) votes in the House. Absent a referendum provision, the bill could have gone to the Senate for a vote and had it passed there, it would have gone straight to the Governor's desk for signature had it passed.

The process will be the same for LD 1164. If it passes, it will go to the Senate and then Gov. Janet Mills’ desk. Therein lies a problem. While the Governor has not openly expressed opposition to iGaming in her state, she has opposed other bills that offered to expand tribal access to provide other types of gaming access.

For now, discussions are primarily hypothetical. Moving forward, iGaming proponents seem to have a big hill to climb as opposition to iGaming legislation is significant.