The public hearings on tribal gaming rights in Maine are scheduled for Wednesday, and there is expected opposition to the proposed bills from Governor Janet Mills. These proposals come after Maine opened its sports betting market in late 2023. Governor Mills, who has been against betting for a long time, granted tribes the rights to sports betting before its launch in November. However, LD 585 specifies that internet sports wagering can only be operated by approved tribes in the state. Tribes can apply for a license to operate online betting and can also form partnerships with one online operator each. The upcoming hearings in Augusta could bring tribes one step closer to obtaining exclusive rights for online betting, expanding their presence in the igaming sector.
Maine experienced a successful start to sports betting, with over $37.0 million wagered in its first month. DraftKings emerged as the early leader, generating $4.3 million in adjusted gross receipts and a $30.5 million handle. Caesars had a smaller handle of $7.1 million and gross receipts of $382,374. Caesars operates in Maine through partnerships with three Wabanaki nations, namely the Houlton band of Maliseet Indians, Mi’kmaq nation, and Penobscot nation.
Tribal gaming is on the rise, with the National Indian Gaming Commission’s annual report for 2022 revealing a 4.9% increase in revenues to $40.9 billion. This $1.9 billion year-on-year gain is the highest ever recorded. However, tribes remain concerned about politicians and commercial gaming interests potentially encroaching on their gambling rights. Following the examples of California and Florida, Maine’s proposals aim to grant exclusive tribal rights, allowing tribes increased access to launch their gambling offerings.
