The Maine Gambling Control Board has requested Governor Janet Mills to veto LD 1164, a Bill to legalise iGaming for the Wabanaki Nations.
Concerns include a potential iGaming monopoly and job losses at existing casinos. The Board argues that excluding Oxford and Hollywood Casinos from iGaming opportunities is detrimental to Maine workers.
Steven J. Silver, the Board’s Chairman, highlighted these issues in a letter to Gov. Mills, obtained by Sports Betting Dime. He expressed that while the Board holds varied opinions on iGaming, there is consensus that any qualified operator should have the chance to acquire an iGaming license, including Oxford and Hollywood Casinos.
Silver warned that not allowing these casinos to participate would create a monopoly, negatively impacting consumers and local employment.
The Mi’kmaq Nation, Maliseet Tribe and Penobscot Nation are currently partnered with Caesars Sportsbook for sports betting, while the Passamaquoddy Tribe works with DraftKings. These partnerships are expected to remain unchanged if the Bill becomes law.
Silver pointed out that the exclusion of Oxford and Hollywood Casinos could result in 100-200 job losses, with Oxford Casino representatives alone predicting around 120 job cuts.
The Board also raised concerns about potential increases in problem gambling rates. A significant rise in self-exclusion numbers has already been observed since the legalisation of online sports betting in 2022. Silver notes that legalising iGaming could exacerbate addiction issues.
Gov. Mills has a three-day window starting January 7th to decide on the Bill.
The iGaming legislation had a tumultuous path to approval, initially lacking interest but later revived by legislative committees. It was ultimately passed by the House and Senate, aligning with the Veterans and Legal Affairs Committees’ recommendations. If enacted, Maine would become the eighth state to legalise iGaming, with significant tax revenues projected.
