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Maine lawmakers wrapped up their latest session with dozens of bills approved, but many of them—including one that would expand online gambling—are now in limbo. The proposed law would open the door for the Wabanaki Nations to offer online casino games statewide. However, Governor Janet Mills has decided to delay any action.
Good to know
- The bill would give exclusive online gambling rights to the Wabanaki Nations.
- Governor Mills cannot veto the bill now due to the session’s adjournment.
- Maine’s next legislative session is expected to begin in early 2026.
Under the proposed legislation, known as LD 1164, the Wabanaki Tribes—including the Penobscot Nation, Passamaquoddy Tribe, Houlton Band of Maliseet, and Mi’kmaq Nation—would be allowed to run online gaming platforms across Maine. They would work with vendors to provide popular games like blackjack and poker through websites and mobile apps.
Right now, these tribes already have exclusive access to online gambling in Maine. LD 1164 was designed to give them a clearer path forward to expand those operations with outside partnerships and modern digital platforms.
Governor waiting to act
Instead of signing the bill, Governor Mills has decided to wait. She is holding off on LD 1164 and around 60 other bills that passed in the final stretch of the legislative session. Because the session has already ended, she cannot veto them. But she also does not have to sign them right away.
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Her office said in a statement:
“The Legislature passed a significant number of bills at the end of session, and the Governor takes seriously her constitutional obligation to thoroughly review all of them and to evaluate their implications on Maine people, Maine businesses and the Maine economy.”
What are the next steps?
The Governor plans to revisit these bills when lawmakers return. That could happen as early as the next legislative session in 2026. Until then, any hopes of new online gambling options in Maine are on hold. Tribal leaders and supporters of the bill will have to wait and see if the Governor gives the green light next time around.
The post Maine Delays Online Gambling Expansion for Tribal Nations appeared first on iGaming.org.