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Online casino expansion in the United States just added another state to the list. Maine is set to allow real-money iGaming, putting it among a small but growing group of states preparing for broader digital casino access as early as 2026.
Good to Know
- Maine becomes the eighth state to approve real-money online casinos
- Federally recognized tribes will control market access
- No official launch date has been announced
Governor Allows Bill to Become Law
Janet Mills confirmed she would allow an online casino authorization bill to take effect, clearing the way for regulated iGaming in Maine.
She said:
“I considered this bill carefully, and while I have concerns about the impacts of gambling on public health, I believe that this new form of gambling should be regulated, and I am confident that Maine Gambling Control Unit will develop responsible rules and standards to hold providers of this new form of gambling accountable while ensuring that Maine tribes benefit from its operations.”
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The decision places Maine as the eighth US state to approve real-money online casino gaming.
Tribal Structure Shapes Market Access
Under the bill, the four federally recognized gaming tribes in Maine can each partner with one third-party operator. Early agreements already position major brands near the front of the line.
Two tribes have aligned with Caesars and DraftKings, giving both companies a path into the Maine iGaming market once platforms launch. DraftKings also testified in favor of the bill during legislative hearings.
No formal timeline has been set for platform rollout or customer onboarding.
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Regulatory Pushback From State Oversight Bodies
The bill moved forward despite opposition from the Maine Gambling Control Board, which oversees the Maine Gambling Control Unit. Under the new law, the Board would not supervise online casino gaming tied to tribal operations.
In a letter sent to the governor last month, the Board warned that excluding commercial casinos from iGaming access would damage competition and employment tied to retail properties.
The Board wrote:
“Cutting out Oxford and Hollywood Casinos entirely from offering iGaming is ill-advised and creates a monopoly that is harmful to consumers and the Maine workers employed by Oxford and Hollywood Casinos. Furthermore, removing casino games from the regulatory authority of the Gambling Control Board violates Maine law and renders the Board effectively useless.”
Commercial Operators Also Raised Objections
Several major gaming operators spoke out against the bill. FanDuel, Fanatics, and BetMGM opposed the tribal-only structure.
FanDuel executive Michael Ventre testified against the proposal last year, arguing the approach would fail to deliver a balanced market structure seen in other states with broader participation.
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FAQ
How many online casino licenses will be available?
Each of the four federally recognized tribes can partner with one operator.
When will online casinos launch in Maine?
State officials have not announced a launch date.
Will commercial casinos participate in iGaming?
No. Oxford and Hollywood Casinos are excluded under the current law.
Which companies support the bill?
DraftKings publicly supported the legislation and testified in favor.
The post Maine Approves iGaming appeared first on iGaming.org.