Maine’s federally recognized tribes will gain exclusive control over the state’s online sports betting market under a new law that Governor Janet Mills allowed to take effect without her signature. The move marks a historic shift in Maine’s gaming landscape and a significant step toward economic self-determination for the Wabanaki Nations.
The legislation grants the Passamaquoddy, Penobscot, Micmac, and Houlton Band of Maliseet tribes full authority to establish and regulate online sports betting platforms. Each tribe will receive a state license, opening the door for partnerships with major operators like MGM and DraftKings.
Governor Mills, who has long been cautious about expanding gambling in Maine, met with tribal leaders last fall. She said the chiefs “spoke passionately” about the life-changing economic potential sports betting could offer their communities. While Mills still expressed concerns over public health impacts, she allowed the bill to become law without a veto, signaling a shift in her approach to tribal economic autonomy.
Tribal leaders hailed the decision as a major breakthrough. Chief William Nicholas Sr. of the Passamaquoddy Tribe called the legislation “an economic turning point” for the Wabanaki people and praised Mills for enabling the opportunity. He credited her with advancing tribal economic interests throughout her two terms as governor.
Maine was among the states that legalized sports betting following the 2018 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that struck down a federal ban. However, due to a unique 1980 land settlement, the Wabanaki tribes were excluded from federal Indian gaming protections, preventing them from opening casinos or participating fully in the gaming industry—until now.
This law not only grants tribes regulatory control over sports betting but also represents a major policy reversal. It stands as the final piece of legislation from the last session to take effect under Mills, who allowed more than 50 bills to become law this week without her signature.
