Maine Governor delays action on tribal iGaming bill, pushing decision to 2026

Maine Governor Janet Mills has postponed action on a bill that would legalize online casino gaming in the state, opting to hold the measure until lawmakers reconvene in 2026.

The bill, LD 1164, would grant exclusive iGaming rights to Maine’s four federally recognized tribes: the Penobscot Nation, Passamaquoddy Tribe, Mi’kmaq Nation, and the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians. This would allow them to partner with private operators, such as DraftKings and Caesars, to offer casino-style games via mobile apps and websites.

The proposal, which includes an 18% tax rate on online casino revenue, passed both chambers of the Legislature in June. The legislation is part of a list of roughly 60 bills that passed the Legislature but that Mills won't take any action on until state lawmakers reconvene. Mills was prohibited from vetoing the bills because lawmakers adjourned the 2025 session, but could still put her veto pen to work when they return.

“The Legislature passed a significant number of bills at the end of session, and the governor takes seriously her constitutional obligation to thoroughly review all of them,” Mills’ office said in a statement. “She will continue to review these bills and gather more information, and she looks forward to acting on them at the beginning of the next legislative session.” 
 
LD 1164 will now be held over to the 2026 legislative session. Once lawmakers return in January, Mills will have three days to either sign, veto, or allow the bill to become law without her signature.

The measure’s supporters said the legislation would spur economic development in tribal communities and allow the state to regulate an activity many Mainers already participate in illegally.

But Mills’ administration testified against the bill earlier this year, raising concerns about potential job losses at the state’s two commercial casinos - Hollywood Casino in Bangor and Oxford Casino. The Maine Department of Health and Human Services and the Maine Gambling Control Board were among those opposing the bill.

Mills has previously vetoed gambling-related legislation, including a 2020 sports betting proposal and a 2021 bill that would have allowed tribes to operate a retail casino.

If enacted, LD 1164 would mirror Maine’s current tribal-exclusive sports betting model. Each tribe would be awarded a single iGaming license under the bill.

Opponents of LD 1164 have also warned that expanding legal gambling could increase addiction and criticized the exclusive licensing model.