Maine approves online casinos under LD 1164 as tribal gaming expands statewide
Maine’s legislature passed LD 1164, legalizing online casino gaming with a framework for tribal participation, licensing and regulation.
Maine lawmakers have taken a major step in expanding the state’s regulated gaming market with the passage of Legislative Document 1164 (LD 1164), the bill establishing a legal framework for online casino gaming.
The measure, signed by Governor Janet Mills, creates pathways for licensed online casino operators and formally includes tribal gaming partners within the state’s regulatory regime.
Supporters say the legislation modernizes Maine’s gambling laws to reflect changing consumer demand, provides a new revenue stream for the state, and strengthens cooperation between tribal nations and the Maine gambling authority.
What LD 1164 Does: Online Casinos and Tribal Participation
Under LD 1164, Maine now allows licensed online casinos that includes slots, table games, and other virtual gaming options, making it the latest state to embrace iGaming as a regulated complement to retail casinos and tribal gaming compacts.
Key components of the bill include:
- Authorization of online casino gaming: Maine’s gaming regulator will be empowered to issue licenses for online casino operators, defining how virtual games may be offered to state residents.
- Tribal inclusion: The bill explicitly acknowledges and incorporates the role of Maine’s tribal nations in the online gaming market, allowing them to participate, either through compacts or partnership agreements, in offering online casino games.
- Regulatory oversight: Licenses will be granted under a state regulatory framework with oversight authority to ensure compliance, responsible gambling safeguards, and integrity in online operations.
- Revenue provisions: The legislation outlines taxation and fee structures that will generate revenue for the state and participating tribes while funding regulatory functions and problem-gambling programs.
The inclusion of tribal partners is a critical component of Maine’s approach, reflecting the state’s history of negotiated agreements with tribal nations and recognition of their sovereign gaming interests.
Governor Mills Signs Bill as Online Casinos Gain Momentum
Governor Janet Mills signed LD 1164 into law, reflecting broad legislative support for expanding Maine’s gaming landscape. According to SBC Americas coverage, the governor’s approval signals a shift in state policy toward embracing digital wagering and casino offerings as part of a broader economic and regulatory strategy.
Mills has previously supported measured expansion of gaming in Maine as a way to enhance economic development and support tribal relations, and the signing of LD 1164 aligns with that ongoing policy direction.
The law is expected to take effect later in 2026 or early 2027, once regulators have set detailed rules and licensing standards.
Until then, the Maine Gambling Control Unit and other stakeholders will work to establish operational guidelines and licensing processes for prospective operators.
Industry and Tribal Gaming Impact
The passage of online casino legislation with tribal inclusion positions Maine to:
- Attract licensed iGaming operators looking to enter a new Northeast market.
- Bring additional revenue into state and tribal coffers through taxation and shared revenue provisions.
- Standardize oversight of online gaming to protect consumers with responsible-gaming requirements and fraud prevention.
For the tribal governments involved, the law represents an opportunity to participate in an expanding segment of gaming, potentially creating jobs and long-term revenue streams within their communities. Industry analysts see tribal participation in iGaming as a growing trend nationwide, with states striking compacts and regulatory frameworks that formally include sovereign nations in digital markets.
What’s Next: Regulation and Licensing Rules
With the law enacted, Maine’s gaming regulator will begin the process of drafting rulemakings covering:
- Application and licensing criteria for online casino operators.
- Responsible gaming safeguards, including self-exclusion tools and deposit limits.
- Auditing, compliance, and enforcement mechanisms to ensure the integrity of virtual casino play.
- Revenue distribution formulas between the state and tribal partners.
Stakeholders, including industry groups, tribal representatives, and consumer advocates, will likely participate in hearings and comment periods as the regulatory structure takes shape.
A New Era for Maine Gaming
The passage and signing of LD 1164 represents a major milestone in Maine’s gaming history: the formal introduction of legal online casino gaming with tribal inclusion.
By combining iGaming authorization with regulatory oversight and tribal participation, Maine positions itself at the forefront of regional gambling expansion.
As regulators develop rules and licensing begins, Maine’s gaming landscape is poised for growth, offering new opportunities for operators, additional revenue streams for the state and tribal nations, and more choices for players seeking regulated online casino experiences.
Tags/Keywords
Players trust our reporting due to our commitment to unbiased and professional evaluations of the iGaming sector. We track hundreds of platforms and industry updates daily to ensure our news feed and leaderboards reflect the most recent market shifts. With nearly two decades of experience within iGaming, our team provides a wealth of expert knowledge. This long-standing expertise enables us to deliver thorough, reliable news and guidance to our readers.
Latest News
