Maine’s Online Casino Bill LD 1164 Faces Delay Until 2026

Legislative Journey and Tribal Empowerment

Passed by both legislative chambers in June 2025, LD 1164 aims to grant exclusive online casino rights to the state’s four Wabanaki Nations: Penobscot Nation, Passamaquoddy Tribe, Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, and Mi’kmaq Nation, extending their existing monopoly on online sports betting.

As one of nearly 60 bills left undecided when the legislative session adjourned, the measure awaits further action, with Mills’ history of opposing gambling expansion casting doubt on its future.

Introduced in March 2025 by Representative Ambureen Rana and Senator Marianne Moore, LD 1164 faced a turbulent path.

Initially tabled in April, it was revived during a special session, passing the House 85-59 and the Senate 18-17 after a tax rate amendment from 16% to 18%.

The bill allows each tribe to partner with one operator, likely DraftKings or Caesars, to offer games like blackjack, poker, and slots.

Supporters, including Passamaquoddy Chief William Nicholas Sr., argue it addresses economic disparities rooted in the 1980 Maine Indian Claims Settlement Act, which limits tribal sovereignty. “Those revenues should benefit Mainers, not shadowy offshore companies,” Nicholas said, estimating $19 million annually for tribes and $3.6 million in state taxes by 2027.

Governor Mills’ Hesitation and Pocket Veto

With the legislature adjourned, Mills’ inaction on LD 1164 by the July 7 deadline resulted in a “pocket veto,” delaying decisions until lawmakers reconvene.

“The Legislature passed a significant number of bills at the end of session, and the governor takes seriously her constitutional obligation to thoroughly review all of them,” her office stated, emphasizing impacts on Maine’s $70 billion economy.

Mills, who vetoed sports betting in 2020 and a tribal casino bill in 2021, faces pressure from her administration, with the Maine Gambling Control Board and Department of Health and Human Services citing addiction risks and job losses at retail casinos.

In January 2026, Mills has three days to sign, veto, or let the bill become law without her signature, though a veto override requires an unlikely two-thirds majority.

Opposition from Commercial Operators

Maine’s two commercial casinos: Hollywood Casino Bangor (Penn Entertainment) and Oxford Casino (Churchill Downs), oppose LD 1164, fearing revenue cannibalization.

Employing 3,200 residents and generating $60 million in annual taxes, these operators argue tribal exclusivity creates an uneven market, echoing concerns from FanDuel, BetMGM, and Fanatics, who are excluded from tribal partnerships.

The Maine Gambling Control Unit’s Milton Champion also warned that unregulated offshore sites, which LD 1164 aims to replace, leave players vulnerable, highlighting the need for regulated alternatives.

However, the Christian Civic League of Maine flagged risks to vulnerable populations, complicating the debate.