Lawmakers in Maine are reviewing several bills that could reshape how casino revenue is shared with the Wabanaki Nations. At the heart of the discussion is LD 1851, a proposal aimed at increasing tribal access to slot machine income from Hollywood Casino in Bangor.
Good to know
- LD 1851 proposes 7% of Hollywood Casino’s slot revenue go to the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians and the Mi’kmaq Nation.
- The Oxford Casino agreement with the Passamaquoddy Tribe and Penobscot Nation remains unchanged.
- LD 1164 and LD 1838 also aim to expand tribal gaming options.
LD 1851 looks to increase Hollywood Casino’s net slot revenue contribution from 39% to 46%, allocating part of that to the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians and the Mi’kmaq Nation. The goal is to bring parity to the way tribal communities benefit from gaming in the state.
Oxford Casino would not be impacted by this adjustment, as it already sends 4% of its slot machine revenue to the Penobscot Nation and Passamaquoddy Tribe. The updated structure would direct roughly $3.5 million annually to each of the two additional tribes.
Casino Revenue Talks Grow as Tribal Leaders Push for Parity
At a legislative hearing, Rep. Marc Malon, who is leading the bill, said, “It is a matter of fairness and brings us a small step closer toward a more just relationship with the sovereign Indigenous nations whose land we live on.”
Zeke Crofton-Macdonald, tribal ambassador for the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, echoed that sentiment, explaining that the goal is economic parity without impacting other tribal agreements. Chief Clarissa Sabattis also clarified the intent behind the bill. “We do not want to take from the other tribes. All of our tribes have significant unmet needs and underfunded programs,” she said.
The background behind this legislation stems from the 1980 Maine Indian Claims Settlement Act, which blocks the Wabanaki Nations from participating in federal Indian laws like the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) of 1988. That legal gap means tribes in Maine need state-specific approval to operate or regulate gaming.
Not everyone is on board, though. Chris Jackson, who represents Hollywood Casino, pointed to financial concerns. He said they are willing to listen but do not want the tax burden to increase. “As long as our effective tax rate stays the same, we are open to suggestions,” Jackson said.
Lawmakers also heard arguments for LD 1164, which proposes giving the Wabanaki Nations exclusive rights to run internet gaming in the state. That bill passed committee but is facing pushback from both the governor and private casino operators.
Steve Silver from the Maine Gambling Control Board said if tribes are granted online gaming control, the Oxford Casino should be released from its current obligation to share slot revenue with other tribal groups.
Another proposal, LD 1838, would allow tribes to operate electronic beano terminals, offering yet another way to generate income.
The broader debate follows a Harvard Kennedy School report in 2022 that found the Wabanaki Nations have fallen behind other federally recognized tribes due to the restrictions imposed by the 1980 settlement law.
Chief Sabattis said LD 1851 could fund programs like the tribe’s wellness court, easing pressure on state-funded services. While LD 1164 faces more resistance, she believes the slot revenue bill is the more practical path at the moment.
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