Maine Governor Janet Mills has deferred action on LD 1164, a bill that would authorize the state's tribal nations to expand into online casino gaming. The measure remains in limbo as the governor waits for the Legislature to reconvene.
Key Takeaways
- Governor Mills has delayed action on LD 1164, a bill introducing online gambling, awaiting the Legislature’s return for possible veto
- The proposed bill grants tribes exclusive rights to offer online casino gaming via digital platforms
- The move towards legalized online casino gambling comes as U.S. states put more restrictions on sweepstakes casinos
LD 1164 would have extended beyond a 2022 law that had given Maine's Wabanaki Nations, the Passamaquoddy Tribe, Penobscot Nation, Mi'kmaq Nation, and Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, exclusive rights to provide online sports betting. It would have permitted tribes to also run online casino games, such as poker and blackjack, under the services of outside suppliers to construct mobile - and desktop-focused sites.
The bill's supporters have noted that the legislation has high economic growth potential for the state. Through digital entitlements improvement in gambling, tribes will have a platform through which they will have increased money flows, more job creations, and their share toward Maine tax revenue.
They also emphasize that Maine should legalize what is already available to its residents, many of whom access online casino services through unregulated offshore sites or sweepstakes casinos.
Gov. Mills, who has previously acknowledged her opposition to gambling expansion in the state, has held about 60 bills in abeyance since the legislative session closed. Her staff promises all will be fully considered and that she will issue rulings, perhaps including vetoing them, once lawmakers are in session later this year.
iGaming gaining ground as clampdown on sweepstakes casinos continues
Maine's current freeze reflects a broader rethinking of internet gaming and internet gambling methods throughout America. In California, legislators are pushing bills banning sweepstakes-style internet gambling sites, which have continued to gain in popularity despite ongoing controversy over their legal status.
Assembly Bill 831, which the Senate Governmental Organization Committee just approved, targets businesses that publicize or operate sweepstakes gaming. However, the bill has raised uproar due to end-term amendments, which directed it toward regulating sweepstakes after originally aiming at tribal gaming. This scenario made some lawmakers concerned about procedural transparency.
The bill may not pass this session, but the extended timeline - the legislative period runs through September 12 - allows for further scrutiny. If unresolved, the measure could be carried into the 2026 session.
Meanwhile, New Jersey's legislature approved the prohibition of sweepstakes gambling. Virtually unanimously voted through both the House and Senate, A5447 affords the Divisions of Gaming Enforcement and Divisions of Consumer Affairs enforcement powers. Despite a campaign organized by the Social and Promotional Games Association, the bill now proceeds to the governor's office for signature to become law.
