Maine’s Revived Online Casino Bill LD 1164 Sparks Debate Over Wabanaki Gaming Rights
Maine’s LD 1164, a bill to legalize online casinos for the Wabanaki Nations, has gained new life, passing a key committee and fueling a tense debate as the special legislative session nears its June 18 deadline.
A Second Chance for LD 1164
Maine’s online casino bill, LD 1164, titled “An Act to Create Economic Opportunity for the Wabanaki Nations Through Internet Gaming,” cleared the Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee with an 8-5 vote, earning an “Ought-to-Pass As Amended” recommendation.
Introduced in March by Representative Ambureen Rana, the bill stalled in April but found new momentum in a special legislative session. “This is about opportunity,” said Wabanaki leader Aaron Dana.
Now poised for floor debate before the session ends June 18, the bill faces fierce opposition and a potential veto from Governor Janet Mills.
LD 1164 grants exclusive online casino licenses to Maine’s four federally recognized Wabanaki tribes: Passamaquoddy, Penobscot, Maliseet, and Micmac, mirroring their 2023 sports betting rights.
Each tribe could partner with one iGaming operator, offering games like blackjack and slots. Chief William Nicholas of the Passamaquoddy Tribe said revenue “could relieve financial pressures and fund vital services” like housing and healthcare.
The bill projects an 18% tax on gaming revenue, generating $1.8 million in 2025-26 and $3.6 million in 2026-27, per state estimates, to fund public health initiatives, including addiction prevention and opioid treatment.
Chief Pos Bassett argued it would “divert money from illegal markets,” curbing offshore platforms draining Maine’s economy.
Land-Based Casinos Cry Foul
Oxford Casino, owned by Churchill Downs Inc., and Hollywood Casino Bangor, owned by Penn Entertainment, fiercely oppose LD 1164. Dan Walker of Oxford Casino called it a “gaming monopoly” with “little economic benefit to Maine.”
Chris Jackson of Hollywood Casino warned it’s the “state’s biggest gambling expansion without a voter say,” threatening 400 jobs and $67 million in annual revenue across both venues, which employ nearly 1000 Mainers. Maine Gambling Control Board Chair Steve Silver, while supportive of iGaming, criticized the bill’s tribal exclusivity as a violation of state law.
“Legalizing iGaming without permitting Oxford and Hollywood to participate will lead to job cuts,” Silver said.
Governor’s Veto Threat Looms
Governor Janet Mills, a consistent skeptic of gaming expansion, declared she would veto any iGaming bill, citing concerns over problem gambling and market disruption.
In 2023, a similar bill, LD 1777, failed in the House, reflecting her influence. Mills’ stance frustrates Wabanaki advocates, with Representative Rana noting the tribes “face an ongoing economic crisis” compared to other U.S. tribes.
The veto threat, combined with a tight June 18 deadline, casts doubt on LD 1164’s passage. If it stalls, it could carry over to the 2026 session, delaying tribal revenue and public health funding.
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