Maine lawmakers are weighing a proposal that would legalize online casino gambling in the state, with exclusive rights granted to the Wabanaki Nations. The bill would allow residents to play real money online casino games such as poker, blackjack, and roulette, a shift that could mark a major change in how Maine online gambling operates.
The bill still needs approval from the Maine House and Senate, so there is a long way to go. And there are conflicting interests that could make the journey through each quite difficult.
Tribes Say It’s a Revenue Lifeline
Supporters of the bill, including tribal leaders, argue the legislation is a long-overdue step toward giving the Wabanaki Nations more autonomy and economic opportunity. Under the proposal, the tribes would partner with licensed gaming operators to run mobile casinos, bringing in new revenue streams without building physical infrastructure.
Chief Pos Bassett of the Passamaquoddy Tribe at Sipayik called the bill a “critical step forward,” noting that tribal communities need new ways to generate income and address chronic challenges like underfunded housing, healthcare, and education systems. Supporters also point out that online gambling is already happening illegally in the state, and this bill would help regulate it and redirect profits to communities that need it.
Casino Industry Pushes Back
Not everyone is on board. The Oxford Hills Chamber of Commerce and others in the traditional casino sector warn that legalizing mobile gambling could siphon off millions in revenue from brick-and-mortar establishments. The Chamber projects a loss of up to $67 million and roughly 400 jobs if the measure passes.
An opposition ad campaign has already launched, calling for the issue to be put to a public vote. Critics argue the bill would create an unfair playing field by giving exclusivity to the tribes and could lead to increased problem gambling due to round-the-clock accessibility.
John Williams, Oxford Hills Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, said:
“It’s going to diminish the opportunity for revenue. It’s going to diminish the opportunity for people coming into Oxford Hills.”
There are two commercial retail casinos in Maine: Hollywood Casino in Bangor and Oxford Casino in Oxford.
Sweepstakes Casinos Currently Available In Maine
While Maine hasn’t legalized online casinos yet, residents have access to several sweepstakes casinos that operate in the state using a dual-currency system. These platforms, which offer games such as online slots and table games, have become a popular alternative. Brands like McLuck, High 5 Casino, WOW Vegas, and Stake.us are all available in Maine, with players redeeming Sweeps Coins for real prizes.
Should the proposed bill pass, sweepstakes casinos would likely remain legal, though their popularity could dip if true online casino apps enter the market.
Maine Sports Betting Is Already Live
Maine enacted sports betting legislation in 2022, with a tribal-first model that mirrors the online casino proposal. All mobile sports betting rights were granted to the state’s four federally recognized tribes, who may partner with third-party operators but must retain a significant portion of revenue.
Retail sports betting is also legal in person at Maine’s two commercial casinos and several racetracks and off-track betting locations. So far, only a few mobile sportsbooks have launched, including Caesars Sportsbook in partnership with the Wabanaki. More tribal deals are expected to follow.
If this new online casino bill passes, it would mark Maine’s second major digital gambling expansion in just a few years — and further cement tribal nations as the center of the state’s online gambling landscape.
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