Maine’s legislature has approved a plan that will see the state’s tribes launch sports betting operations in the state.
The tribes will control all Maine sports betting operations
The measure will be reviewed by Governor Janet Mills. Despite a recent covid diagnosis, the indications are that she will sign it into law at some point over the next week. Mills had previously vetoed a sports betting proposal, alongside a budget line item that would have allowed casinos on tribal lands last year. However, she has since softened her stance on the issue and recently stated that she now fully supported allowing tribes to govern their own sports betting and gambling industries.
The measure is strongly opposed by the state’s commercial casino operators and private sports betting companies. Both feel that they will be locked out of the market should complete control of sports betting be given to the tribes.
According to State Senator Joe Baldacci the bill will give four Wabanaki tribes the ability to run mobile sports betting operations as well as open retail sportsbooks at their newly opened casinos.
Baldacci says he sees these bills as a sign of respect to the tribes in Maine.
”I was just glad, to a limited extent, to be able to help my local community, but the overall bill will hopefully be steps forward for the tribes and for all of us.”
The bill was one of three bills aimed at giving more power to the tribes over their own economic welfare. However, the legislature failed to pass a bill that would have given the tribes complete sovereignty. This was as a result of a last-minute plea by Gov. Mills to delay the passing of that bill to avoid a veto.
Speaking of the failed bill, Mills said:
“I do not wish to have a confrontation. It would serve no constructive purpose and only inflame emotions on all sides of the discussion.”
While the casino bill is expected to be signed early next week, there have been no indications as of yet as to when sports betting in Maine will officially launch.
An experienced iGaming commentator and analyst based in New York City - Jenny reports on regulation and gambling industry news and events.