House members in Maine have voted to support a bill that would legalize sports betting throughout the state. The bill would also grant exclusive rights to Maine’s indigenous tribes by giving them complete control over the state’s mobile sports betting operations.
House Majority Leader Michelle Dunphy said: “It will perhaps have an immediate impact on their prosperity. It will also, however, be another important step in a long journey over 500 years in the making – the journey of our communities transforming themselves from conquerors and occupiers among a proud people to becoming neighbors.”
Dunphy went on to add that the bill is an important step toward reconciliation with Maine’s tribes but is not a cure-all for their mistreatment.
Under the terms of the bill, the two casino operators and harness racing tracks located in the state would be permitted to conduct in-person sports betting but not have any access to the online market.
This recent initiative is part of a compromise bill put on the table by Governor Janet Mills as a way to expand tribal rights, including changes in how tribes throughout the state are taxed. The compromise also includes provisions to encourage collaboration between the tribes and the state.
The Maine Senate is set to vote on the bill next week.
However, lawmakers have proposed an amendment to the current bill that would give the state’s casinos some access to mobile sports betting.
Senator Joseph Baldacci said the amendment would replace the current bill with one already approved by the legislature. It would ensure that the tribes would receive an estimated $2m to $3m per year, or 6% of the total adjusted gross online wagering receipts.
Tribal leaders said that they support the mobile sports betting bill but not the proposed changes in the amendment.
Chief Francis said: “The amendment, while it’s being cloaked in fairness, is really detrimental to the tribal interest in that bill. This is a tribal bill for a meaningful opportunity in Maine’s gaming industry and we believe the inclusion of casinos with online platforms is going to crush any opportunities for the tribes going forward.”
