The Maine Gambling Control Board has formally requested that Governor Janet Mills (D) veto LD 1164, the recently approved legislation that would legalize internet gaming exclusively for the Wabanaki Nations.
In a letter dated December 17, 2025, Board Chairman Steven J. Silver warned that the bill creates an “ill-advised” monopoly that threatens hundreds of local jobs.
Fears of a “Harmful Monopoly”
The Board’s primary objection is the exclusion of Maine’s two commercial casinos, Oxford Casino and Hollywood Casino, from the iGaming market. Under the current text of LD 1164, only the four tribes of the Wabanaki Nations—the Mi’kmaq, Maliseet, Penobscot, and Passamaquoddy, would be permitted to hold iGaming licenses. This structure mirrors the state’s sports betting model, which is currently dominated by partnerships with DraftKings and Caesars Sportsbook.
“Cutting out Oxford and Hollywood Casinos entirely from offering iGaming is ill-advised and creates a monopoly that is harmful to consumers,” Silver wrote. He emphasized that the Board is unified in its belief that any qualified operator, including commercial casinos, should have the opportunity to obtain a license.
Economic and Social Impact
The letter highlights severe economic consequences, projecting the loss of 100 to 200 jobs at Maine’s land-based casinos if they are barred from the digital market. Oxford Casino officials estimated that approximately 120 of their employees could be laid off due to the revenue shift.
Furthermore, the Board raised alarms about rising problem gambling rates. Since the legalization of online sports betting, the number of residents on the self-exclusion list has spiked by 275%, jumping from 133 in 2022 to 498 today. Silver argued that expanding online access without broader safeguards would only exacerbate addiction issues.
Decision Deadline Looms
Governor Janet Mills has until Wednesday, January 7, to sign, veto, or allow the bill to become law without her signature. If enacted, Maine would become the eighth U.S. state to legalize iGaming, with tax revenues projected to reach $3.6 million by fiscal year 2026-2027. The funds are earmarked for problem gaming programs, veteran housing, and emergency relief. However, with regulators unanimously urging a veto, the bill’s future hangs in the balance.
