Maine has taken another step in expanding tribal gaming rights. Governor Janet Mills has allowed LD 1164 to become law, opening the door for tribal-run online gambling. The move strengthens the role of Wabanaki online gambling within the state’s regulated betting market.

• LD 1164 authorises the Wabanaki Nations to operate online gambling platforms in Maine, covering iGaming and related digital betting products. The framework is designed to support tribal economic development through regulated online channels. It builds directly on Maine’s earlier decision to grant tribes control over online sports betting.

• Governor Mills said the new online gambling activity will be subject to state oversight. Regulation will sit with Maine’s Gambling Control Unit, which is expected to set licensing, compliance and responsible gambling standards. Mills said regulation is intended to ensure accountability while allowing tribes to benefit financially.

• Tribal leaders linked the legislation to economic sovereignty within the digital gambling market. Revenues from online gambling are expected to fund core services such as infrastructure, housing and public safety. Several leaders also highlighted that regulation helps shift play away from unlicensed offshore iGaming sites.

• The law positions Wabanaki Nations as the exclusive operators of online gambling under Maine’s tribal gaming model. This mirrors the structure used for online sports wagering introduced in 2022. “LD 1164 will create a closely regulated iGaming market with strict controls,” said Chief Clarissa Sabattis of the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians.

• Maine is the 8th US state to permit legal online gambling while following US states  already legalized online casino-style gambling:  New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Michigan, West Virginia, Connecticut and Rhode Island.

Please find more news here.