Online gambling is on the table and gathering support
Maine launched legal sports betting less than three months ago, but gambling legislation is again one of the major topics for lawmakers in the Pine Tree State. The Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee debated numerous gaming bills on Wednesday, including possible iGaming legalization. The committee is scheduled to discuss legislation to trim the length of Maine sports betting licenses later this week.
Sports betting in Maine began in November, with online sports betting legal among the four tribes in the state. The committee examined LD 1777, which would permit iGaming for Maine tribes. House Speaker Rachel Talbot Ross and Senate President Troy Jackson endorse the bill, according to Portland Press Herald reports.
The bill has a lot of support in the legislature, but the state’s two casinos are opposed to the bill. Gov. Janet Mills said during the last session that she would veto an iGaming bill. She previously vetoed sports betting legislation before a 2022 bill succeeded as part of a more comprehensive tribal package she endorsed.
The committee also discussed LD 1944. It would expand gaming opportunities for the state’s tribes, with at least five new casinos that could be constructed under the legislation. However, similar to the iGaming bill, the state’s two retail casinos voiced opposition.
Members also heard a bill to legalize historical horse racing and electronic beano, which harbored similar resistance. The committee will discuss LD 2117 on January 22, which requires Maine sports betting licenses to be renewed annually instead of every four years. Caesars operates in Maine under a partnership with three of the four tribes, with DraftKings partnered with the other.
From sports betting’s launch on November 3 through December, Maine sportsbooks handled $82 million in wagers.
