Maine only recently launched online sports betting but legislators are already contemplating expanding the state’s gaming menu to include iGaming, which would mean those in the Pine Tree State could play slots or casino table games from their PCs or mobile devices if the legislation passes.
Let’s delve into these bills’ main proposals and see what they represent for the future of sportsbooks in Maine.
Rolling the Dice
It took over a year for Maine to roll out mobile sports betting after the law was signed in August 2022. But after only three months since the launch, legislators are already considering bringing the more lucrative online casino gambling to its denizens.
The Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee recently discussed a series of gaming bills and among them were iGaming proposals, as well as one supporting a shorter term for sports betting licenses in the state.
One iGaming bill in particular has been carried over from the last legislative session and it has resurfaced again this session. Senator Laura Supica (D-Bangor) filed LD 1777, which would hand iGaming over to the state’s tribes to offer internet gambling beyond sports betting, including any “skill or chance (game) offered through the Internet in which an individual wagers money or something of monetary value for the opportunity to win money or something of monetary value.”
A proposed 10% tax on iGaming revenues would be levied and those funds would be directed to services other than those existing beneficiaries of the sports betting tax.
As for shortening the term of sports betting licenses, Maine Gambling Control Unit Executive Director Milt Champion is behind the bill LD 2117, which proposes yearly renewals rather than every four years as the law is currently written.
“It’s my bill to bring it in line with other areas of oversight,” Champion said. “With acquisitions, executive changes, etc., a four-year span makes it difficult in the review of renewal applications.”
Those in Favor Say Aye
As with all bills, there are proponents and opponents.
In this case, we see several Maine lawmakers supporting online casino legislation, and chief among them is the sponsor of the bill, Senator Lauren Supica.
“I don’t see this as an irresponsible policy that’s going to cannibalize our services,” Supica told the Portland Press Herald. “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.”
The senator has some very powerful allies in support of her bill, mainly House Speaker Rachel Talbot Ross and Senate President Troy Jackson. Moreover, Representative Ben Collings has sponsored two bills, LD 1944, and LD 1992, with the former proposing casinos on tribal lands while the latter would promote gaming terminals run by the state’s Native American tribes.
However, some are concerned that it may cannibalize the commercial casinos in the state, which prompted this testimonial from Maine Gambling Control Board Chairman Steve Silver “Maine absolutely should consider legalizing Internet Gaming. It is my personal belief that adult Mainers should be free to enjoy legal, regulated gaming in all its forms.
“But I also believe that any qualified operator should have the ability to obtain an iGaming license including the Wabanaki Nations. Cutting out Oxford and Hollywood Casinos entirely from offering iGaming is ill-advised in my opinion.”
Bookmakers Review will continue to monitor this story and update our readers as events unfold.
Calculators
