Caesars Starts Framework to Begin Legal iGaming in Maine

It’s just over a month until iGaming in Maine officially becomes legal. Caesars now has a plan in place to bring it to the Pine Tree State.

The gaming operator announced that it will expand its partnership with three of the Wabanaki Tribes — the Maliseet, Mi’kmaq and Penobscot — to launch iGaming in Maine. Caesars already partners with the three tribes to offer sports betting in Maine, where it’s one of two sportsbook operators.

The fourth tribe, the Passamaquoddy Tribe, partners with DraftKings for sports betting. DraftKings has yet to announce its intentions regarding iGaming in Maine.

When iGaming comes online, Maine will become the eighth U.S. state to offer legal iGaming and the third in New England. Connecticut and Rhode Island both have iGaming, as well as Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

How Does This Affect iGaming in Maine?

It’s a mixed bag for bettors in Maine. That’s because Legislative Document 1164, which Gov. Janet Mills allowed to become law without signature in January, grants the Wabanaki tribes exclusive control over iGaming in Maine.

Specifically, the legislation gives each tribe the right to partner with one third-party gaming operator. While that gives Maine bettors the opportunity to play at four online casinos in theory, that would only happen if each tribe picks a different partner.

With three of the four tribes choosing an expanded partnership with Caesars, that can limit Maine bettors’ choices. That situation exists with sports betting in Maine: Caesars’ partnership with three of the four tribes limits the state to two legal sportsbooks.

A wild card is Caesars’ recent acquisition by Tilman Fertitta’s company. In May, Fertitta agreed to purchase Caesars for just over $17 billion. Fertitta could choose to offer two different skins, giving bettors the appearance of different iGaming operations that fall under one umbrella.

That’s common in other states with iGaming, notably DraftKings and Golden Nugget. After DraftKings acquired Fertitta’s Golden Nugget online casino in 2022, both brands remained active in four different states.

What iGaming Offerings Will Be Available?

Under LD 1164, slots, table games and poker can all be available in Maine. Caesars has offered all of these iGaming options in other states, and it’s likely the same will be available in Maine.

What Rules Exist for iGaming in Maine?

LD 1164 sets the state’s tax rate at 18% for iGaming. This is in line with nearby Connecticut and comparable to Rhode Island’s rate of 15.5%. Additionally, the legislation states that a minimum 42% of revenue goes to the tribes.

Mills, who initially opposed iGaming in Maine, said she changed her stance after speaking to tribal leaders. She has consistently taken a position favoring the tribes, which she did when she signed LD 585 to legalize sports betting in 2022. Once the tribes convinced her iGaming was necessary for them, she opted to let the bill become law.

When Will iGaming in Maine Be Available?

It depends. In January, Oxford Casino filed a lawsuit to try to stop the new law. Oxford Casino, located in southeastern Maine, believes it would lose money if Maine residents can make wagers online.

So far, courts have declined to grant an injunction. That sets the law to take effect on July 29, with iGaming likely to come to Maine in the following months. Caesars’ announcement suggests that iGaming could come online in December 2026 or January 2027, as it usually takes around 180 days to get a new gaming site ready for launch.