Maine Legislators to Resume Efforts for Tribal Gambling Expansion

Maine’s federally recognized tribes have been offering since the launch of the state’s legal market last year. This became possible after state lawmakers legalized online sports betting back in . Now, efforts of the legislators to for Maine residents are likely to resume, a new report released by suggests.

There are a few bills that were previously introduced and call for the expansion of gambling activities that may . Besides expanding gambling, the bills represent an effort for enhanced tribal sovereignty across Maine and seek to support tribal and rural communities as well as the economic development of the tribes.

Moreover, the proposals plan to for different public services as well. Multiple Bills Propose Tribal Gambling Expansion , a bill backed by and co sponsored by and calls for the expansion of gambling to allow tribes to offer in addition to . Under this proposal, the tribes would also be able to offer games of “skill or chance offered through the Internet in which an individual wagers money or something of monetary value for the opportunity to win money or something of monetary value.” According to Supica, the bill would positively impact the tribes with economic stimulus and also help with the .

Two other proposals, supported by may also gain traction during the second regular session. The first such bill, , proposes the development of casinos by one or more tribes on tribal lands. On the other hand, proposes federally recognized tribes to operate historical horse racing terminals, as well as electronic beano terminals, casinos and venues with slot machines.

Through taxes, the proposals would ultimately raise funds for different . Despite the benefits of additional funds, not everyone agrees with the expansion of gambling in Maine. One long term across the state is . If the bills are reviewed during the second regular session of the lawmakers, they may face opposition from Mills.

Previously, the Governor vetoed a bill pushed forward by Collings. The aforementioned bill proposed tribes to be able to operate casinos. Despite Mills’ firm stance on gambling, in 2022, she ..