Gov. Janet Mills vetoed bill L.D. 533 ‘An Act to Ensure Proper Oversight of Sports Betting in the State’, that would have approved both land-based and online sports betting.
Mills recognized the effort the bill made to regulate sports wagering and decrease black market activity.
However, in a letter explaining her decision, Mills added: "But, respectfully, I remain unconvinced at this time that the majority of Maine people are ready to legalize, support, endorse and promote betting on competitive athletic events.
"Before Maine joins the frenzy of states hungry to attract this market, I believe we need to examine the issue more clearly; better understand the evolving experiences of other states; and thoughtfully determine the best approach for Maine.
"That approach needs to balance the desire to suppress gambling activities now being conducted illegally and the need to protect youthful gamblers and those least able to absorb losses under a closely regulated scheme."
Mills goes on to say the decision, which can be overridden, was also taken because the majority of states which have legalized sports betting have seen revenue fall short of projections.
It is expected sports betting will be legal in more than 20 states by the end of the year, since PASPA was overturned in 2018.
