Maine lawmakers return to Augusta in early January as Governor Janet Mills considers whether to approve LD 1164, a bill that would legalize online casino gaming in the state. Although the Legislature passed the proposal, gambling regulators have formally asked the governor to veto it, warning of economic harm and increased consumer risk.
On December 17, 2025, the Maine Gambling Control Board sent a letter urging the governor to reject the bill. LD 1164 would allow the four tribes of the Wabanaki Nations to offer internet casino games through third-party operators, using a structure similar to Maine’s sports betting model, where tribes already partner with Caesars Sportsbook and DraftKings.
Concerns Over Licensing And Competition
In the letter, board chair Steven J. Silver said members held different personal views on online gambling but agreed on opposition to the bill’s structure. He wrote, “Although the Board has varying personal opinions about the general merits of legalizing Internet Gaming (“iGaming”), we are unified in our belief that any qualified operator should have the ability to obtain an iGaming license including the Wabanaki Nations. Cutting out Oxford and Hollywood Casinos entirely from offering iGaming is ill-advised and creates a monopoly that is harmful to consumers and the Maine workers employed by Oxford and Hollywood Casinos.”
The proposal excludes Oxford Casino and Hollywood Casino, Maine’s two commercial casinos, from participating in the online market. Regulators argue this would concentrate digital gambling under tribal partnerships and limit competition.
Jobs And Gambling Harm Highlighted
The board also raised employment concerns. Oxford and Hollywood Casinos employ nearly 1,000 people statewide. Silver warned that excluding them from iGaming could lead to layoffs. “However, Oxford and Hollywood Casinos employ nearly 1,000 Mainers. Legalizing iGaming without permitting Oxford and Hollywood to participate will lead to job cuts. During the Board’s October meeting, representatives from Oxford Casino explained that approximately 120 Mainers will lose their jobs due to LD 1164’s impact on that property alone. Hollywood Casino anticipates significant job losses as well. We cannot afford to put 100-200 Mainers out of work,” he wrote.
Regulators also pointed to rising self-exclusion figures. Before online sports betting launched in 2022, 133 residents had self-excluded from casino gambling. That number has since grown to 498, a 275% increase in three years.
The board concluded, “We understand that you have a difficult decision to make in January. However, after hearing from our current gaming licensees, we know that LD 1164 would cause significant harm to Mainers. Therefore, we the Maine Gambling Control Board, unanimously urge you to veto LD 1164.”
Decision Window And Next Steps
Governor Mills did not act on the bill before the session ended, leaving a three-day window starting January 7 to sign, veto, or allow it to become law without her signature. If enacted, Maine would become the eighth state to legalize iGaming.
If approved, the bill would tax online casino revenue at 16%, with projected revenue of $3.6 million by the 2026–2027 fiscal year. Lawmakers will also consider LD 2007 later in January, a separate proposal to ban online sweepstakes casinos.
Source:
“Maine iGaming Bill Faces Scrutiny as Governor Weighs Decision”, news.worldcasinodirectory.com. January 5, 2026
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