Online sports betting in Maine launched on November 3, 2023. The four tribal nations tethered to the two online sports providers may get an opportunity to expand their gaming menu.
Tribes Exclusivity
When Maine’s online sports betting legislation was being crafted, the state’s four tribal nations were granted exclusivity in the market. The only caveat is that they would have to sign an agreement with either of the two platform providers that were chosen to operate in the market: Caesars and DraftKings.
The control of the mobile sports gaming market under the governance of the Maine Gambling Control Unit was granted to:
- The Aroostook Band of Micmacs
- Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians
- Passamaquoddy Tribe of Indian Township
- The Penobscot Nation
Governor Janet Mills made it clear from the beginning. She wanted the state’s four tribes to be intimately involved in the state’s online sports betting market, despite vetoing two previous bills.
Anne Carney, chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, said at the time, “Giving exclusive rights for mobile sports gaming to the four federally recognized tribes in Maine is essential to restoring economic self-determination.”
Foreshadowing of Gaming Expansion
In the sports betting bill that was ultimately signed by Governor Mills, there was language that intimated an expansion of gaming. This could include iGaming, digital bingo, and even online harness racing.
The bill reads as follows: “The Legislature finds and declares that the conduct of mobile gaming will, if conducted by federally recognized Indian tribes in the State, serve as an effective economic development tool for tribal governments and provide economic stimulus to rural areas of the State.”
“The purpose of this section is to ensure that each federally recognized Indian tribe in this State has the right to conduct all forms of mobile gaming newly authorized in this State on or after the effective date of this section.”
Therefore, it is not surprising that the bills addressing gaming expansion have already surfaced so shortly. Especially after online sportsbooks manifested in the Pine Tree State.
Debating the Impact
Three of these gaming expansion bills have been brought forth, carried over from the last session, and faced public hearings on the session’s opening day.
Representative Laura Supica, D-Bangor, is the sponsor of Bill L.D. 1777 and wants to expand the tribes’ gaming opportunities to include games of skill or chance.
Representative Supica also countered the argument that online gambling would cannibalize the retail casinos. “I don’t see this as an irresponsible policy that’s going to cannibalize our services,” said Supica. “I think it’s something that could be very good for our services, especially in central and northern Maine where we are really economically depressed.”
But Steve Silver, chairman of the Maine Gambling Control Board, believes Supica’s bill needs polishing. “Maine absolutely should consider legalizing Internet Gaming (“iGaming). Overall, LD 1777 needs more modification before moving forward. I urge you to adopt an open, free-market approach that includes the Tribes and the casinos while also reconsidering the proposed taxation and regulatory model.”
Bookmakers Review will continue to monitor this story and update our readers as events unfold.
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