Maine Signs iGaming Bill Granting Tribes Exclusive Online Gaming Rights
On Jan 8, the Main governor signed an iGaming bill that had been sitting on her desk since last summer. The bill gives the state’s gaming tribes the exclusive right to offer online gaming. There are 4 tribes who currently have OSB partnerships with mobile operators.
For many of our operator members, this market opening will likely not result in an opportunity to offer a B2C product in the state. However, it helps to build timely momentum as states like Virginia and Indiana consider iGaming legislation, as well as a business opportunity for iDEA’s supplier members.
Opponents of the bill have pledged to seek overturning this law by seeking a voter referendum. If they pursue this path it could stall enactment of the law until after the November elections.
The bill becomes effective 90 days after the session concludes, which is currently set for April 15, putting the enactment in mid-July, pending potential challenge.
iDEA will monitor any developments around this new law and coordinate with members if action is needed to maintain it.