Online gambling platforms operating in Maine face a regulatory crackdown due to their lawlessness.
In the vibrant city of Denver, Michael Savio, a seasoned writer, delves deep into the world of Colorado's offerings. However, his professional passion lies elsewhere - the dynamic realm of the sports betting industry. With over four years of experience under his belt, Michael has been reporting for Casino.com, providing accurate and easy-to-understand information to his readers.
Meanwhile, across the country in Maine, the legal status of online casinos remains uncertain. Currently, online casino gaming is not legal or operational in the state. No legal online casino platforms are currently authorized, and residents are prohibited from playing casino games online for money.
In June 2025, Maine lawmakers passed LD 1164, a bill aimed at legalizing online casino gaming. This bill grants exclusive rights to four federally recognized tribes: Penobscot Nation, Passamaquoddy Tribe, Mi’kmaq Nation, and Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians. Each tribe would be permitted to run one online casino license, partnering with companies such as DraftKings and Caesars. The bill proposes an 18% tax on online casino revenue, expected to generate significant state revenue starting in 2025–26.
However, Governor Janet Mills has deferred her decision on LD 1164 until the next legislative session in January 2026. Without her action within three days of the legislature’s return, the bill would automatically become law. Given her past opposition to gambling expansions, there is uncertainty about whether she will ultimately approve or veto the bill.
The Maine Gambling Control Unit (MGCU) has stated that online casinos are currently illegal in Maine. This has led to some real-money operators disguising themselves as sweepstakes platforms, a practice that Michael Savio has been reporting on.
As the situation in Maine unfolds, Michael's coverage continues to provide insightful and informative updates on the potential regulation of the online casino market. If and when the bill is approved, the first legal online casinos in Maine might open late in 2025 or early in 2026, subject to regulatory groundwork.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
- Michael Savio, having reported for Casino.com for over four years, delves into the potential regulation of sports betting in Colorado and the emerging online casino market in Maine.
- Despite the uncertainty surrounding the legal status of online casinos in Maine, a bill (LD 1164) passed in June 2025, granting exclusive rights to four federally recognized tribes to operate online casinos in partnership with companies like DraftKings and Caesars.
- The bill, awaiting Governor Janet Mills' decision, proposes an 18% tax on online casino revenue, expected to generate significant state revenue beginning in 2025–26.
- As an alternative, some real-money operators are currently disguising themselves as sweepstakes platforms, a practice that Michael Savio has been reporting on, highlighting the need for responsible gambling.
- With the bill awaiting Governor Mills' action and the regulatory groundwork still to be completed, the first legal online casinos in Maine might open late in 2025 or early in 2026, renewing the focus on gambling trends, casino personalities, and sports betting within the online casino market.
