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Maine plans to launch online casinos in the first quarter of 2027, making it the eighth state to do so. However, the target date could be missed if regulators make major changes to the third set of proposed rules. Maine Gambling Control Unit (MGCU) Executive Director Milt Champion warned that significant changes to the proposed rules would necessitate a fourth publication.
“We’re in our third publication, and the comments are due the 30th of October. If we don’t accept any more major substantive changes, we’ll go on with the process. But if we do accept any major substantive changes, that will go through a fourth publication,” said Champion.
In the meantime, the MGCU is currently working on hiring six new staff members to oversee iGaming. Moreover, it recently received approval for a new licensing database and portal to handle applications and most operational processes.
A fourth publication could cause delays
The proposed iGaming rules for Maine are currently in their third publication, which was released on September 30, with several revisions from the previous draft. The first publication, which was the Initial Notice of Rulemaking, was released on May 6, 2026, with public comments and stakeholder feedback due on June 5, 2026. The second publication, which took into account feedback from the first round, was released on July 15, 2026, with comments closing on July 27.
The current proposed rules introduce several notable changes from the July version. First, live dealer studios can now operate outside Maine with approval from the director. Additionally, while the primary server that accepts and stores live dealer wagers must remain in Maine, the backend systems don’t have to be in the state.
Under the new rules, separate approval is no longer required for routine game updates, such as security fixes and patches. Operators also cannot target users under 21 in their marketing campaigns. Moreover, ads must include the beneficiary tribe’s name and logo, which must be the same size and font as the operator’s.
Notably, there were no changes to the key financial terms. To this end, the operator license fee remains $50,000, with 18% tax on adjusted gross iGaming receipts. Moreover, operators must still hold a bond of $500,000.
Should regulators make major changes to the current proposed rules, it would trigger the process all over again. Under Maine laws for rulemaking, the MGCU would have 120 days after the close of comments to adopt the new rules. Moreover, the Office of the Attorney General would also have up to 150 days from the same date to conduct a legal review and approve the new rules.
To this end, the planned launch of online casinos could be pushed well beyond Q1 2027. Champion didn’t specify a timeline in case a fourth publication is required. Champion compared the rulemaking process to the process leading to the rollout of sports betting, which lasted from 2022 through 2023. “It’s been as busy as the time frame that we had with sports wagering. More so because it’s a new product,” he said.
Licensing portal ready, hiring ongoing
In addition to raising concerns about a fourth publication, Champion also mentioned that the MGCU received approval to implement a new licensing database and portal. “This is obviously a great addition to our regulatory oversight,” Champion said.
The new portal will enable operators to apply and pay for licenses online. It will also handle most operational processes, including license approvals and invoicing. Notably, applicants can create logins to receive alerts for those activities.
Additionally, the MGCU is currently working on hiring six staff members to oversee iGaming. Applications for the various positions are ongoing.
The tribal framework
Notably, Maine’s Native American tribes will have exclusive operating rights to the state’s online casino market under LD 1164. Interestingly, this tribal framework serves as an extension of the 2022 mobile sports betting structure and also gives the tribes exclusive operating rights. The eligible tribes include the Penobscot Nation, the Passamaquoddy Tribe, the Mi’kmaq Nation, and the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians.
Under the law, the tribes get one operator license each, which they can lease out to online casino operators in Maine. Under the current arrangement, the Penobscot Nation, the Mi’kmaq Nation, and the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians have partnered with Caesars Entertainment. The Passamaquoddy Tribe has partnered with DraftKings for sports betting but hasn’t announced its choice for an online casino platform.
