Maine governor intends to sign igaming bill
LD 1164 would authorise tribal governments to operate online gambling.
US.- Maine governor Janet Mills has announced her intention to sign LD 1164, AKA “An Act to Create Economic Opportunity for the Wabanaki Nations”. The bill will authorise tribal governments to operate online gambling in Maine.
The governor signed LD 585 in 2022, legalising sports betting in the state and giving the state’s tribes exclusive rights to conduct online wagering.
Governor Mills said: “This fall, I met with the five elected Chiefs of the Wabanaki Nations, who each spoke passionately about the importance of this bill in offering life-changing revenue for Tribal communities, as well as providing a form of economic sovereignty for their Nations.
“I considered this bill carefully, and while I have concerns about the impacts of gambling on public health, I believe that this new form of gambling should be regulated, and I am confident that Maine’s Gambling Control Unit will develop responsible rules and standards to hold providers of this new form of gambling accountable while ensuring that Maine’s tribes benefit from its operations.
“It has always been my strong desire to work with Tribal leaders to improve the lives and livelihoods of the Wabanaki Nations, and it is my hope that this new revenue will do just that.”
Leaders of Maine’s Wabanaki Nations welcomed the governor’s decision. Chief William Nicholas, Sr. of the Passamaquoddy Tribe at Indian Township, commented: “Governor Mills’ support for historic advances in tribal economic development, particularly her decision to allow LD 1164 to become law, marks an economic turning point for the Passamaquoddy people and for all Wabanaki Nations.
“Before this, the Governor supported launching Maine’s mobile gaming market with a model based on Wabanaki ownership and key tax law changes that promoted economic growth at the Tribal nation, individual, and household levels. Our economies are undoubtedly stronger due to positive state policy changes under Governor Mills.”
Chief Sheila McCormack added: “The Mi’kmaq Nation is deeply grateful for Governor Mills decision to allow LD 1164 to become law. This bill will provide new and sustainable revenue that will deliver needed resources to invest in our community and provide for the health, welfare, and safety of our citizens.
“For almost 20 years, our Nation struggled to gain the ear of Maine’s governors, but under the leadership of Governor Mills, and her commitment to respectful and open communication, our jurisdiction has been reestablished. The Mi’kmaq Nation is proud to call Governor Mills a friend and ally.”
A survey commissioned by the National Association Against iGaming (NAAiG) recently suggested that a majority of voters in Maine oppose the legalisation of online casino gambling.
