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Maine’s online casino market is still months away from accepting its first wager, but that has not stopped operators from scrambling to secure their place there.
And by operators, I’m talking about Caesars Entertainment, which has expanded its partnership with three of Maine’s Wabanaki Nations in anticipation of the state’s upcoming iGaming launch.
The agreement would allow Caesars to roll out its online casino products in Maine once regulators complete the licensing process.
A New Law Opens the Door
Maine officially joined the online casino club earlier this year when Governor Janet Mills allowed LD 1164 to become law.
The bill had already survived serious courtroom fights. It squeezed through the Senate by a single vote and cleared the House after months of debate over gambling expansion and tribal gaming rights.
As opposed to giving direct entry to gambling operators, Maine handed the right to the state’s four federally recognised tribes:
● Penobscot Nation
● Passamaquoddy Tribe
● Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians
● Mi’kmaq Nation
That means companies like Caesars and DraftKings cannot simply apply for a licence on their own. If they want into Maine’s market, they need a tribal partner willing to bring them along for the ride.
Caesars Wants More Than One Piece of the Cake
Most operators would probably be okay to secure a single partnership, but Caesars thought three sounded better. So they reached agreements with:
- Penobscot Nation
- Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians
- Mi’kmaq Nation
Chief Kirk Francis of the Penobscot Nation did not fail to mention that its previous successful sports betting alliance with Caesars is what has paved the way for this new deal.
Penobscot Nation is proud to continue and expand our partnership with Caesars as we look towards the future of online gaming in Maine. Our experience working together on sports wagering has demonstrated the value of aligning with a partner that respects our sovereignty, understands our communities, and is committed to long-term success for the Wabanaki Nations. This next phase represents a meaningful opportunity to build on that foundation.
If everything proceeds as planned, Caesars could launch a trio of brands in Maine:
- Caesars Palace Online Casino
- Caesars Sportsbook & Casino
- Horseshoe Online Casino
To make things seamless for players, all of Caesars’ online casinos in Maine will be integrated with Caesars Sportsbook and Caesars’ loyalty program. The company’s press statement read:
The platforms in Maine will integrate with Caesars Sportsbook and feature a single login and wallet experience, powered by Caesars’ Universal Digital Wallet, enabling seamless play across Caesars’ digital offerings.
Integrated with Caesars Rewards ®, the company’s industry-leading loyalty program, eligible play will unlock Reward Credits that can be redeemed for unforgettable experiences across Caesars’ destinations nationwide, including stays, dining, entertainment, and more.
So When Can Players Actually Start Playing?
That is the question everyone wants answered. The law may have been stamped, but regulators still have a lot to do that concerns rules. Before launch, the Maine Gambling Control Unit must:
- Finalize regulations.
- Review license applications.
- Vet commercial partners.
- Approve gaming platforms.
- Establish responsible gambling requirements.
- Conduct compliance and security reviews.
There’s a handful of things happening behind the scenes before anyone logs in and starts chasing jackpots from their living room.
