Churchill Downs casino sues Maine over igaming law
The casino operator aims to block a law that grants exclusive igaming rights to four tribal governments.
US.- Oxford Casino Hotel, a company owned by Churchill Downs, has filed a lawsuit against the state of Maine seeking to block LD 1164, AKA “An Act to Create Economic Opportunity for the Wabanaki Nations”. The legislation allows four tribal governments to operate online gambling in Maine.
The lawsuit, filed in the US District Court for the District of Maine, argues that the law is unconstitutional and creates an anticompetitive market that could harm the state’s economy. It mentions a study by The Innovation Group, which found that brick-and-mortar casinos have allegedly lost 16 per cent of their revenue in states with online gambling. The lawsuit claims the law will result in nearly 380 job losses, $22m in lost wages and a total economic impact of $60m.
LD 1164 entered into force on January 8, after governor Janet Mills allowed it to pass without her signature. It’s due to come into effect 90 days after the current state legislative session ends, which will be by April 15 at the latest. State officials have not yet responded to the lawsuit.
A survey commissioned by the National Association Against iGaming (NAAiG) suggested that a majority of voters in Maine oppose the legalisation of online casino gambling.
