Majority of Maine voters oppose legalizing online casino gambling

A statewide survey shows that a decisive majority of Maine voters oppose legalizing online casino gambling, driven by deep concerns about its potential harm to children, families and communities, and unmoved by the most common arguments to legalize it, including the fact that Maine's Tribes would exclusively control iGaming.

The poll, commissioned by the National Association Agains iGaming (NAAiG) and conducted by Lake Research Partners, finds that 64% of Maine Voters oppose iGambling. Opposition cuts across party lines, including large majorities of Democrats and independents and a majority of Republicans.

The findings come as Governor Janet Mills faces a narrow window from Wednesday through Friday this week to veto the controversial effort to legalize iGambling in LD 1164. Only seven states permit iGaming and none since 2023. Similar proposals have failed or stalled in regionally and politically significant states for Maine, including New Hampshire, Massachusetts, New York and Maryland. "If Maine allows iGaming to become law, the state will stand out as an outlier in New England and across the country at a time when other governors and legislatures are hearing from their constituents and choosing not to move forward with this highly addictive form of gambling," said Jason Gumer, NAAiG Board Member and Executive Vice President & General Councel at Monarch Casino & Resort, Inc. "The results ring loud and clear: Maine voters reject iGaming when they understand it puts a 24/7 casino on the same smartphones their kids use”, he added.

The main concern: online gambling companies have repeatedly failed to prevent minors from accessing gambling apps, including on their parent’s phones. Messages about addiction, financial harm to families, increased social costs and strain on taxpayers also raise concerns among most voters. Resistance to iGaming remained strong even after voters heard pro-legalization arguments. Claims about revenue or tribal operation failed to move opinion, and support never gained momentum after voters heard both sides. "With a veto decision imminent, Governor Mills has a clear signal from voters," Jason Gumer added. "Legalizing iGaming is deeply unpopular, politically risky, and viewed as a direct threat to children, families and communities. The responsible course of action is to veto this legislation."