Legislation could allow for tribal online casinos in the state
Maine launched online sports betting in November, with lawmakers already looking to expand the state’s gambling and betting market as they consider an online casino proposal carried over from the previous legislative session.
LD 1777 is the bill recently filed by Representative Laura Supica, which seeks to permit tribal nations to exclusively provide online casino gaming similar to its current sports betting market. However, tribes won’t be allowed to transfer their license to other operators unless they are a fully-owned subsidiary of that band or tribe.
The bill basically expands the tribe’s privileges to offer sports betting and online casino gaming and seeks to change how tax revenue is distributed. Licenses will be issued at a cost of $200,000 for a four-year term and must receive regulatory approval from the Maine Gambling Control Unit.
LD1777 declares that 40% of the revenue will benefit Maine’s E-9-1-1 fund, with another 20% going to the Opioid Use Disorder Prevention and Treatment Fund. 1% of tax revenue will go to the General Fund for the Maine Gambling Control Unit’s administrative costs, and another 1% will be allocated to the Gambling Addiction Prevention and Treatment Fund. Lawmakers will debate the bill again this week before it’s considered for a vote.
There has been much opposition to the bill, specifically from Steve Silver of the MGCB, who wants the market to be more open to allow tribes to get licenses in a competitive market. Reports from The Portland Press Herald have also indicated that Gov. Janet Mills would oppose potential gambling expansion, though she did relent and sign sports betting into law in 2022.
