Maine Online Casinos for January 2026
| Online Casinos · Maine Online Casinos |
Maine is poised to become the eighth U.S. state to legalize real-money online casino gaming. Governor Janet Mills recently confirmed she would allow Legislative Document 1164 to become law without her signature, clearing the way for online slots, table games, and poker to be authorized statewide.
As of January 10, 2026, no official launch date has been announced. Regulatory frameworks and operational timelines will be determined in the months ahead.
Contents
- Latest News about Online Casinos in Maine (Updated January 10, 2026)
- Tribal Nations Positioned as Exclusive iGaming Operators
- Economic Significance for the Wabanaki Nations
- Regulatory Concerns and Industry Opposition
- Maine’s Decision in a National iGaming Context
- Why Online Casinos Remain Politically Divisive
- Maine Online Casinos FAQ
Latest News about Online Casinos in Maine (Updated January 10, 2026)
Tribal Nations Positioned as Exclusive iGaming Operators
Under the new law, Maine’s four federally recognized Wabanaki Nations—the Mi’kmaq, Maliseet, Penobscot, and Passamaquoddy tribes—will hold exclusive rights to offer online casino gaming. Each tribe may partner with a single third-party operator, a structure similar to the state’s existing online sports betting framework.
Two tribes already have partnerships with Caesars and DraftKings, providing those operators a competitive advantage when the market launches (still TBD). DraftKings was also one of the few major operators to publicly testify in support of the legislation.
Governor Mills also cited her ongoing dialogue with tribal leaders and the potential for long-term economic development as a central factor in her decision. Mills expanded on that by framing the bill as an opportunity to promote tribal self-determination through modern iGaming.
Economic Significance for the Wabanaki Nations
For the Wabanaki Nations, the legislation represents more than just expanded gaming access. Tribal leaders have described the law as a pathway toward greater economic sovereignty, with new revenue expected to support healthcare, education, infrastructure, and essential government services for the Wabanaki Nation.
Tribal leadership emphasized that previous policy changes under Governor Mills’ administration have already strengthened tribal economies, and they view iGaming as a continuation of that progress. Benefits are also expected to extend beyond tribal lands, supporting rural communities throughout the state.
"It's going to benefit our tribe in many ways financially, to help provide for all of our people here, for businesses that we might want to start that we couldn't before and will be able to now, with just the extra revenue that will be coming in in the future," Sheila McCormack, chief of the Mi'kmaq Nation, said.
Regulatory Concerns and Industry Opposition
Despite legislative approval, the bill faced notable resistance from both regulators and segments of the commercial gaming industry. The Maine Gambling Control Board formally opposed the legislation, arguing that excluding the state’s two commercial casinos—Oxford Casino and Hollywood Casino in Bangor, ME—from online gaming could harm workers and consumers while undermining existing regulatory authority.
Commercial operators including FanDuel, Fanatics, and BetMGM also testified against the bill, warning that a tribal-exclusive model could limit competition and create an uneven market. Oxford Casino’s owner, Churchill Downs, raised concerns about potential job losses tied to reduced foot traffic at physical casino properties.
Governor Mills acknowledged these objections, but reiterated her belief that the Gambling Control Unit can implement safeguards to balance economic growth with responsible oversight. "I am confident that Maine’s Gambling Control Unit will develop responsible rules and standards to hold providers of this new form of gambling accountable while ensuring that Maine’s tribes benefit from its operations," said Mills.
Maine’s Decision in a National iGaming Context
Maine’s approval comes as several other states revisit online casino legalization. New York and Virginia have reintroduced iGaming bills after stalled efforts in prior legislative sessions, while lawmakers in Ohio, Massachusetts, and Illinois continue to debate similar proposals.
Although only seven states currently offer real-money online casinos, the sector generated approximately $8.4 billion in gross gaming revenue in 2024—surpassing half of the revenue produced by legal sports betting nationwide. Online casino games typically carry higher profit margins and tax rates, making them attractive to state budgets.
Why Online Casinos Remain Politically Divisive
Unlike sports betting, online casino gaming has proven far more controversial. Critics across party lines have characterized iGaming as excessively accessible, warning that 24/7 availability could exacerbate gambling addiction and disproportionately affect lower-income players.
The casino industry itself remains divided. While major operators such as MGM and Caesars support iGaming expansion, several smaller brick-and-mortar companies argue that digital casinos threaten in-person employment and local economies. This lack of consensus has made legislative passage significantly more difficult than it was for sportsbooks.
As mentioned above in the case of Maine legalizing online casinos, MGM and Caesars were against the expansion. Because it wouldn't positively impact them, like it did in Michigan for example.
A Measured Step Toward Digital Gaming Expansion
Maine’s iGaming law reflects a carefully balanced approach—one that prioritizes tribal economic empowerment while acknowledging legitimate regulatory and social concerns. As rulemaking moves forward, the success of the model will influence future legalization efforts in other states.
For now, Maine stands as a notable example of how online casino gaming can be integrated into state policy through a framework centered on tribal ownership, oversight, and long-term economic development.
Maine Online Casinos FAQ
Are online casinos currently legal in Maine?
No. Governor Mills has decided to allow LD 1164 to pass without her veto. So in the coming months online casinos will be live in Maine.
What games will be legal once the law takes effect?
The first games available would be online slots, table games, and poker.
When will Maine’s online casinos officially launch?
As of January 10, 2026, no launch date has been announced.
What is LD 1164 and what does it do?
The four federally recognized Wabanaki Nations in Maine will hold exclusive rights to offer online casino gaming. Each tribe can partner with a single third-party operator (Caesars, DraftKings, etc.), to provide online casino gaming.
