Lawmakers have pulled a bill that would have led to state tribes controlling the casino market
A proposed bill that would have granted Maine’s four Wabanaki tribes exclusive rights to operate online casino gaming has been temporarily shelved. Legislative Document 1164, aimed at boosting tribal economies through internet-based gambling, stalled in the state’s Joint Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee earlier this week.
The bill, officially titled “An Act to Create Economic Opportunity for the Wabanaki Nations Through Internet Gaming,” focused on allowing the tribes to offer mobile versions of popular casino games such as poker, blackjack, craps, and roulette. Revenue from the operations would have been taxed at 16%, with the proceeds allocated to state programs including veteran support and addiction treatment services.
Three of the four tribes had already aligned with Caesars, while the fourth formed a partnership with DraftKings, signaling a readiness to launch quickly if the legislation moved forward. Tribal leaders voiced support for the initiative, seeing it as a chance to participate in a gaming industry that has provided financial benefits in other parts of the country. Rep. Aaron Dana, a member of the Passamaquoddy Tribe, said the proposal represented a matter of fairness for tribes long left out of similar opportunities.
Not everyone backed the bill. Representatives from major sports betting companies such as FanDuel, Fanatics, and BetMGM raised concerns about market competition. Michael Ventre, speaking on behalf of the three companies, argued that the bill’s structure might limit consumer choice and potentially drive users toward unregulated or illegal platforms.
Lawmakers also debated the extent of illegal gaming activity already taking place in the state. Rep. Anne Graham questioned whether legalizing the market could bring better oversight and reduce underground activity, although she acknowledged the lack of concrete data on current gaming habits in Maine.
For now, the bill remains on hold as lawmakers consider the broader implications and stakeholder feedback.
