A bill to legalize online casinos in Maine (LD 1777) narrowly failed to pass through the state’s House of Representatives on Tuesday.

The bill, which would give the state’s tribes exclusive control of online casino gaming in the state, isn’t quite dead yet. The bill moves to the Senate, and if it passes, it’s possible for the House to approve the legislation as passed by the Senate.

Granting exclusivity to the tribes has been a major sticking point for some legislators, according to bill sponsor Rep. Laura Supica.

“Much of the concern comes from the fact that it is exclusively for the tribes,” Supica told the Portland Press Herald. “But for me that is why I wholeheartedly support it, because this is a wonderful opportunity for the state of Maine to begin to make some corrections to how they have enacted past gaming laws.”

The bill would allow for the state’s tribes to receive online operator licenses for $200,000. Online gaming revenue would be taxed at 10%, with tax revenue benefiting several sources including the state’s General Fund and problem gambling treatment measures.

Next steps

Maine’s legislative session doesn’t last much longer, with it officially concluding on April 17. Legislators have one week to attempt to pass the online casino legislation.

The Senate will need to overcome concerns about tribal exclusivity and casino cannibalization fears that were prevalent in the House.

Online sports betting launched in Maine in November of 2023, and the state has existing brick-and-mortar casino gaming. If mobile casino apps aren’t legalized in 2024, it’s possible the state takes up similar legislation in 2025.

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