Governor Janet Mills has opted not to act on a controversial bill that would authorize online casino gaming in Maine, effectively pushing any decision on the matter into 2026. The legislation LD 1164 had already cleared both chambers of the state legislature in June 2025, but without a signature or veto from the governor, it cannot move forward until lawmakers return to session in January.
Tribes Would Gain Exclusive Control Over iGaming
If eventually enacted, LD 1164 would establish a framework granting the state’s four federally recognized tribes — the Penobscot Nation, Passamaquoddy Tribe, Aroostook Band of Micmacs, and the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians — exclusive rights to operate online casinos in Maine. Under the proposed measure, each tribal government would be able to collaborate with one licensed third-party platform provider to offer digital casino gaming.
The bill proposes a licensing fee of $50,000 per year per platform, with revenues subject to a tax rate of either 16% or 18% — depending on the source — on adjusted gross gaming revenue. Funds generated through taxation would support initiatives such as addiction treatment programs, emergency housing, and services for veterans.
This approach echoes the tribal-exclusive structure already established for online sports betting in the state, and supporters of the bill say it would create new economic opportunities for the tribes while regulating a form of gambling that is already occurring in the shadows.
Governor Delays Action Amid Broader Legislative Review
Governor Mills’ inaction was not unexpected. Her administration voiced opposition to LD 1164 during committee hearings, citing potential economic harm to the state’s two existing brick-and-mortar casinos — Hollywood Casino in Bangor and Oxford Casino Hotel — which would not be included in the new iGaming framework. In prior years, Mills has also vetoed other gambling measures, including a 2020 sports betting bill and a 2021 proposal to allow tribal-operated retail casinos.
Instead of signing or rejecting the bill outright, Mills has chosen to hold off until the Legislature reconvenes in January 2026. According to Maine’s legislative process, she will then have three days to make a decision: she can sign the bill into law, veto it, or take no action — in which case the bill would automatically become law.
A statement from the governor’s office emphasized her commitment to carefully evaluating each of the 61 bills left on her desk after lawmakers adjourned: “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.”
Stakeholders Weigh in on the Outcome
Reactions to the delay have been mixed. Steve Silver, chair of the Maine Gambling Control Board, previously cast doubt on Mills signing the bill, stating to Casino Reports, “I think it’d be a safe bet to say I don’t see her readily signing it. And if she vetoes it, I find it extremely unlikely that there are enough votes to override the veto.”
Opponents of LD 1164, including the Maine Department of Health and Human Services and the Gambling Control Board, raised alarms about the potential for increased gambling addiction and job losses at the state’s two commercial casinos. They also questioned the fairness of granting exclusive rights to tribal operators, excluding other stakeholders from participating in the burgeoning online gaming industry.
More Than Just Gambling Legislation on Hold
LD 1164 is just one of 61 bills the governor is postponing action on until the next session. Other measures awaiting review include initiatives on immigration enforcement, firearm tracking, educational curriculum updates, and environmental safety — including a program to manage firefighting foam contaminated by “forever chemicals.”
In addition to the bills left on Mills’ desk, nearly 400 pieces of legislation have been officially carried over to the next session. These include bills still in committee, those awaiting funding decisions, and measures that require further study.
Any bill that Mills chooses not to sign or veto within three days of the next session’s opening will automatically become law. Emergency bills would go into effect immediately, while standard legislation would be enacted 90 days after the legislative session adjourns.
As Maine looks ahead to the 2026 legislative session, it remains to be seen whether Mills will ultimately support or reject online casino legalization. In the meantime, tribes and industry stakeholders will be watching closely for any sign of the bill’s fate.
Source:
‘’Maine Governor Janet Mills pushes online casino decision to 2026’’, igamingbusiness.com, July 10, 2025.
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