Caesars Entertainment has expanded its partnership with three Wabanaki Nations in Maine to include online casino gaming, building on an existing sports wagering arrangement and preparing for a potential regulated iGaming launch in 2026, subject to approval.
The agreement involves the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, the Mi’kmaq Nation, and the Penobscot Nation, extending a collaboration that began with Maine’s regulated sports betting market.
New Online Casino Brands Planned for Maine
Under the updated structure, Caesars plans to introduce three separate online casino platforms once regulatory clearance is granted. These include Caesars Palace Online Casino, Caesars Sportsbook & Casino, and Horseshoe Online Casino, each designed to provide a distinct digital experience within the same regulated ecosystem.
The company said the brands will combine slot games, table titles, and live dealer content, integrated into a single account system powered by Caesars’ digital wallet technology. Users will be able to access multiple Caesars products through a unified login, linking sports betting and casino activity under one platform.
The rollout is intended to align with Maine’s broader move toward regulated online casino gaming, which is expected to make the state the eighth in the United States to legalise the vertical.
Tribal Partnership and Local Investment
Caesars emphasized that the expansion continues its focus on tribal collaboration and local development. The company plans to support workforce training and employment opportunities for members of the participating Wabanaki Nations, alongside financial contributions aimed at tribal programmes and community services.
The partnership structure is built on earlier cooperation in sports wagering, which launched in Maine in 2023. Caesars said the success of that model laid the foundation for expanding into casino gaming while maintaining a long-term relationship with tribal governments.
Chief Kirk Francis of the Penobscot Nation described the expansion as a continuation of a working relationship built on shared objectives. He said the experience in sports wagering demonstrated the value of working with a partner that respects tribal sovereignty and supports long-term planning.
Chief Sheila McCormack of the Mi’kmaq Nation highlighted the economic potential of the arrangement, noting that regulated online casino gaming could help generate new opportunities for tribal communities while maintaining regulatory oversight.
Chief Clarissa Sabattis of the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians also pointed to the importance of revenue stability, stating that internet gaming income could provide long-term funding for essential services and infrastructure investment within the community.
Maine Regulatory Framework and Market Debate
Maine’s model grants exclusive online casino rights to the Wabanaki Nations, allowing partnerships with private operators under a structure similar to the state’s sports betting system. The market is expected to launch later in 2026 pending approvals.
Industry criticism has focused on the exclusive tribal structure, while supporters say it reflects state policy supporting Indigenous economic development.
Caesars said its platforms will meet regulatory standards and uphold responsible gaming practices, drawing on its experience across other jurisdictions.
Once launched, Maine’s online casino market will operate alongside sports betting in a unified digital environment, with Caesars and its tribal partners positioned as key participants.
Source:
“Caesars Entertainment And Three Wabanaki Nations Expand Relationship To Include Planned Maine Online Casino Launch”, investor.caesars.com, Jun 24, 2026
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