Maine legislators turn down online gambling bill for second time

It passed in the Senate but failed to pass in the House.

Maine lawmakers have struck down a recent bill that would give the Wabanaki Tribes of Maine the exclusive right to online gambling, according to a Portland Press Herald local news report.

Both the Senate and House previously rejected the bill. However, Senator Mattie Daughtry addressed lawmakers and asked that they reconsider the proposal.

The Senator passed the bill, but it failed to pass in the House.

Penobscot Nation Tribal Ambassador Maulian Dana told local news that she was pleased to see the bill pass in the Senate.

She commented further by saying, “Sovereignty remains the ultimate goal of all Wabanaki Tribes, but economic development is critical to the tribes’ desire for self-determination.

“This bill would definitely help us do that.”

According to the local report, those who opposed the bill expressed concerns that online gaming could lead to a rise in gambling addiction.

Because the proposal anticipated generating nearly $100m for Maine’s Tribes during the next several years, those against the bill said existing casino operators could be in danger of exclusion and job loss at their facilities.

However, supporters maintain that giving Tribes exclusive rights “would help address long-standing inequities against the tribes, which are treated more like municipalities because of a pair of agreements with the state that settled the tribes’ land claims.”

Supporters said this proposal would boost the Tribes’ economies and could lead to growth in its surrounding communities due to the investments that would follow.

Sports betting made its debut in the state of Maine in November. Revenue during its first two months live has reached $9.3m, with an adjusted sports betting revenue of $9m.

David Thompson

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