Maine, one of the smallest U.S. states, is set to benefit significantly from tax revenue as it prepares to launch real money online casinos. Governor Janet Mills recently approved the online casino bill LD1164.
This makes Maine the eighth state in the U.S. to have legal online casinos, and just the second in New England, following Connecticut. The development could attract players, particularly from northern Massachusetts and Vermont, keen on winning real money from casino games.
Timeline for Online Casinos in Maine
While the iGaming bill is enacted, there are still obstacles to overcome before casino operations can commence.
The legislation stipulates that gaming cannot start until three months after the legislature re-convenes on April 15, meaning iGaming won’t officially be legal until at least July 15.
There may be challenges, particularly from land-based casinos concerned about lost income due to online gaming. Such challenges could further delay the launch.
Management by Native Tribes
Similar to the sports-betting legislation, Mills has entrusted the management of iGaming to Maine’s four Wabanaki tribes.
Three of these tribes have existing partnerships with Caesars, which is expected to include its Caesars Palace Online Casino as an operator in Maine.
The fourth tribe has a deal with DraftKings, whose casino operations are anticipated to commence as soon as the law is effective.
Governor Mills acknowledged potential public health concerns but emphasized the importance of regulation and affirmed the benefits this revenue could bring to the Wabanaki Nations.
Ongoing Challenges
With major revenues on the line, opposition is already emerging regarding the iGaming legislation.
The Maine Gambling Control Board is advising Mills to veto the bill to include the two existing casinos, expressing concerns about potential job losses due to monopolization.
The National Association Against iGaming is also considering a people’s veto to challenge the law, aiming to gather enough signatures for a petition within the first 90 days after the legislature reconvenes.
The NAAiG has criticized the law, expressing confidence that Maine voters will reject it, advocating for a gaming policy that prioritizes transparency and accountability.
Updates on Massachusetts Online Casinos
The legalization of online casinos in Maine may have implications for Massachusetts, especially considering the swift response following Maine’s sports betting legalization.
Massachusetts approved its sports betting law shortly after Maine’s legislation, and lawmakers are currently advancing a bill to legalize real money online casinos, although H4431 has yet to reach Governor Maura Healey.
For the time being, players in Massachusetts can enjoy online gaming through sweepstakes casinos offering a taste of casino gaming without the financial risks.
