Maine Prepares to Become the 8th American State with the Lawful iGaming Niche

Key Details of the New Project

The initiative is formally registered as LD 1164. The document enables indigenous US communities to conduct Internet-based operations officially.

The list of authorised nations includes:

• Mi’kmaq;
• Maliseets;
• Penobscot;
• Passamaquoddy.

Each tribe is entitled to choose 1 licensed platform provider. The annual certification fee is established at $50,000 per system.

Digital gambling resources will be permitted to begin operations approximately 3 months following the close of the current state session, which terminates on April 15th. The projected commencement date is July 14th.

Assessing the Impact of the Reform

The Governor endorsed the project after constructive discussions with local tribal leaders, who described the initiative as vital for bolstering the economic autonomy of native communities. Ms Mills underscored her ongoing concerns about the potential risks to public health posed by online gaming, but noted that this field should be subject to proper oversight.

Maine’s Gambling Control Unit will serve as the legal backbone of the new market, ensuring robust supervision and delivering financial benefits to local tribes. The Governor also reiterated her long-standing commitment to improving the living conditions of indigenous peoples and expressed hope that the new law will contribute to progress in this area.

Representatives of native communities assessed the project as a major step towards economic sovereignty and long-term stability. They view this support as an unprecedented achievement. The financial state has already notably improved as a result of constructive decisions made by the authorities.

Revenues from web-based casino portals are designated to support crucial government services. This approach is expected to deliver clear benefits to neighbouring rural areas.

Voices of Criticism and Opposition

The project has triggered a strong reaction from several national institutions and public entities. The state’s CDC, an organisation responsible for disease prevention, together with members of the Gambling Control Board, voiced their concerns.

Key issues highlighted include:

• heightened risk of gaming addiction;
• uncontrolled growth of the online vertical;
• potential harmful impact of the web segment on the regional labour market.

Earlier, the proposal to exclude existing land-based operators from the digital realm was not endorsed. Maine’s Board opposed the measure, asserting that prohibiting ground Oxford and Hollywood facilities from offering services via the Internet is inappropriate and fosters a monopoly. Such restrictions, members warned, could potentially result in financial damage to business owners, workers, and clients.

The NAAiG, a nationwide organisation opposing online gambling, also criticised the Governor’s decision. The association’s members argue that her stance disregards public disapproval, recommendations from relevant agencies, and the established oversight framework, which has functioned successfully for more than a decade and delivered tangible benefits to local communities.

According to a public opinion poll conducted by NAAiG, a considerable share of state residents stand against the expansion of the iGaming niche. The organisation’s representatives further contend that Ms Mills’ shift in position coincided with the approaching US Senate elections, interpreting the move as politically motivated.

Positive Outcomes of the iGaming Niche Launch

If enacted, the bill will provide the region with a supplementary source of treasury income equivalent to 18% of tribal online casinos’ GGR.

The proceeds are earmarked for the following purposes:

• gambling addiction prevention and treatment programmes;
• measures to address the opioid crisis;
• emergency housing assistance;
• loans for education renovations;
• Veterans’ Home services, etc.