Campaign For Fairer Gambling Criticizes Maine Governor Over iGaming Legalization
The Campaign For Fairer Gambling (CFG) has issued a statement after Maine Gov. Janet Mills reversed her intent to veto a bill to legalize online slots and casino games.
Although online sports betting is legal in Maine, other types of online gambling have been illegal in the Pine Tree State. That was until Gov. Mills opted to let LD 1164 become law without her signature.
Maine Governor Sparks Backlash From CFG
In a press release, the CFG states: “The proponents of legalization make false representations that it will replace illegal gambling. It does not – it normalizes the activity, growing the total market, the total consumption, the total harm, and the illegal sector.
“Besides, the Mills Administration has done little to attempt to combat illegal online gambling.”
The CFG also noted that slot games on mobile devices are “the most addictive form of gambling, targeting anybody, anywhere, anytime, in any condition.”
In addition, the advocacy group argued that the socio-economic costs of gambling harm “fall on state services and budgets,” and the funds “will not be enough to cover the costs of the harms.”
CFG founder Derek Webb said: “I thought that we had reached the point where there was a consensus that the US expansion of online gambling has been a disaster. Janet Mills has proven that as Governor she has failed to protect the people of Maine with integrity.”
NAAiG Disappointed In Mills’ Decision To Not Veto Bill
The National Association Against iGaming (NAAiG) also issued a statement against Mills’ decision, condemning the move and saying the coalition is “deeply disappointed.”
“This decision represents a clear break from the Governor’s previously stated position and disregards overwhelming public opposition, expert warnings from her own regulators, and a proven gaming framework that has delivered meaningful benefits to Maine communities and tribal nations for more than a decade,” the NAAiG said in a news release.
The NAAiG contended that Gov. Mills only reversed her decision on the iGaming bill because it “coincides with a U.S. Senate campaign and a competitive primary challenge.”
“The National Association Against iGaming, alongside a broad coalition of allies, will lead efforts to overturn this law through Maine’s People’s Veto process,” the coalition continued.
“We are confident that when given the opportunity, Maine voters will reject this misguided expansion and reaffirm their commitment to responsible gaming policy grounded in transparency, caution, and accountability.”
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