Maine sports betting takes huge step
The state Senate voted to override a Governor’s veto and Maine sports betting will soon turn into Law after legislators approved it in June 2019.
US.- After six months sitting on the governor’s desk, Janet Mills decided to veto Maine sports betting legislation. However, the Senate took a huge vote and favoured the segment over the mandatary’s decision.
In a recent session, senators voted 20-10 to override Gov. Mills veto. “Shall this Bill become a law notwithstanding the objections of the Governor?” Lawmakers had to respond. They said yes and sent the matter to the House, where it should pass as well.
“[I am] unconvinced at this time that the majority of Maine people are ready to legalize, support, endorse and promote betting on competitive athletic events,” said the Governor after she vetoed the bill.
Mills added that Maine needs to take a closer look at sports betting before joining the growing list of states that have legalised the segment. Before legalising it, Maine needs an approach to slow down and stop illegal gambling activities that are already happening in the state as well as it needs to protect young gamblers.
The proposal
Members of the Senate had voted 19-15 in favour of the bill, which would allow individuals over 21 to place bets on both professional and collegiate sports across the state. LD 553 would also allow bets to be placed at physical locations like casinos and through mobile phones and online.
Once it finally gets signed, the Maine sports betting bill would also establish that back and mortar facilities would be required of a 10% tax rate. Moreover, mobile-only platform operators would pay a 16% tax on their revenues.
One of the things that have been discussed when treating the bill is the possibility of operators that wish to gain an online license to have some kind of association with a physical gambling facility. However, a majority of committee members opted for an untethered licence, as they believe is easier and offers a “free” approach.
