Caesars and three Wabanaki Nations eye Maine online casino launch
The company plans to bring three online casino brands to the state, pending regulatory approvals.
US.- Caesars Entertainment has announced an expansion of its existing partnership with three Wabanaki Nations to include online casino gaming in Maine. The company and its tribal partners, the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, the Mi’kmaq Nation and the Penobscot Nation, plan a potential igaming launch in the state this year, pending regulatory approvals.
Caesars launched its sportsbook in Maine in 2023. It now hopes to launch three online casino brands: Caesars Palace Online Casino, Caesars Sportsbook & Casino and Horseshoe Online Casino, offering slots, table games and live dealer offerings. The company pledged to employ and train members of each nation and provide financial support for tribal community programmes.
Eric Hession, president of Caesars Digital, said: “As we look ahead to the launch of online casino gaming in Maine, we’re proud to expand our partnership with the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, the Mi’kmaq Nation and the Penobscot Nation. Together, we’ve built a strong and responsible sports wagering experience, and this next phase reinforces our commitment to our tribal partners and to delivering a differentiated, localised digital gaming experience for Mainers. We’re grateful to Gov. Janet Mills, the Maine Legislature and the Maine Gambling Control Unit for their continued leadership and thoughtful approach to gaming in the state.”
Chief Kirk Francis of the Penobscot Nation added: “Penobscot Nation is proud to continue and expand our partnership with Caesars as we look towards the future of online gaming in Maine. Our experience working together on sports wagering has demonstrated the value of aligning with a partner that respects our sovereignty, understands our communities and is committed to long-term success for the Wabanaki Nations. This next phase represents a meaningful opportunity to build on that foundation.”
Chief Sheila McCormack of the Mi’kmaq Nation commented: “The Mi’kmaq Nation values the strong relationship we have built with Caesars and our fellow Wabanaki partners. Expanding into online casino gaming allows us to continue creating economic opportunities for our people while ensuring that any future platform is developed in a responsible, well-regulated manner that benefits the tribes and the state.”
Chief Clarissa Sabattis of the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians said: “The Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians is pleased to deepen our partnership with Caesars as we prepare for the next chapter of gaming in Maine. This long-term agreement reflects our shared commitment to strengthening Maine’s rural communities and is vital to the Houlton Band’s self-determination and economic self-sufficiency. Internet gaming revenues will provide our tribal government with a more secure, long-term source of revenue that will help us provide essential services and make critical investments in community infrastructure.”
For the quarter ended March 31, Caesars reported net revenue of $2.9bn compared to $2.8bn for the prior-year period. Caesars’ net loss was $98m compared to $115m in the same period in 2025. Consolidated adjusted EBITDA was $887m, up from $884m. Caesars Digital’s revenue was $374m, up 11.6 per cent year-on-year.
