Governor Janet Mills signed LD 1164 into law on January 8, allowing the Wabanaki Nations to operate online gambling to support Tribal communities and economic development.
Key points
Maine Governor Janet Mills has signed LD 1164 into law, authorizing Tribal governments across the state to begin conducting iGaming operations and generating pushback from organizations such as the National Association Against iGaming (NAAiG).
Mills explained her decision on January 8, having said, "This fall, I met with the five elected Chiefs of the Wabanaki Nations, who each spoke passionately about the importance of this bill in offering life-changing revenue for Tribal communities, as well as providing a form of economic sovereignty for their Nations.
"I considered this bill carefully, and while I have concerns about the impacts of gambling on public health, I believe that this new form of gambling should be regulated, and I am confident that Maine's Gambling Control Unit will develop responsible rules and standards to hold providers of this new form of gambling accountable while ensuring that Maine's Tribes benefit from its operations.”
LD 1164 has also been referred to as An Act to Create Economic Opportunity for the Wabanaki Nations, which are set to begin offering iGaming to residents to help support Tribal communities and economic development.
"Governor Mills' support for historic advances in Tribal economic development, particularly her decision to allow LD 1164 to become law, marks an economic turning point for the Passamaquoddy people and for all Wabanaki Nations," Passamaquoddy Tribe at Indian Township Chief William Nicholas Sr. said.
"Before this, the Governor supported launching Maine's mobile gaming market with a model based on Wabanaki ownership and key tax law changes that promoted economic growth at the Tribal nation, individual and household levels. Our economies are undoubtedly stronger due to positive state policy changes under Governor Mills.”
Governor Mills also signed LD 585 into law in 2022, allowing the Tribes to begin conducting online sports wagering operations across Maine.
The NAAiG stated its “deeply disappointed” in Governor Mills’ decision, and described the approval as a “clear break” from her previous stance on iGaming.
“It is important to be clear. Tribal nations already benefit from the existing casino tax structure. Opposition to this bill is not about excluding Tribes or protecting narrow interests. It is about preserving a model that has worked for Maine workers, Maine communities and Tribal governments alike. Dismissing these concerns as self-interested complaints ignores both the facts and the substantial public stake involved,” the NAAiG stated.
“The Governor's decision also disregards her own Gambling Control Board, which urged a veto and warned that this bill would undermine existing casinos, put jobs at risk and destabilize a system that has reliably funded public priorities.
“Equally troubling is the Governor's disregard for public opinion. Recent polling shows that iGaming is broadly unpopular with Maine voters, including among those who support the Tribes. Mainers understand that online casino gambling poses unique risks and offers uncertain benefits compared to the proven structure already in place.”
Bills approved by Governor Mills will become law 90 days following the adjournment of Maine’s upcoming legislative session, resulting in iGaming operations potentially going live during Q2 2026.
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