Maine gov shuts down sports betting hopes

The governor of Maine has vetoed the bill that would have legalised sports betting in the state.

US.- Janet Mills, governor of Maine, vetoed on Friday a bill that would have legalised sports betting in the state. She believes that the majority of people in the state are not ready to legalise and promote betting on competitive athletic events.

“[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.

While lawmakers can still override the veto, it is uncertain if they will do so. The bill would have paved the way for casino operators, Indian tribes, harness racetracks and off-track betting facilities to host sports betting. LD 553 would also allow bets to be placed at physical locations like casinos and through mobile phones and online.