Maine still needs to complete a legal review, hire six staff members and launch a licensing portal.
Maine’s online casino market is more likely to launch in the first quarter of 2027 than before the end of 2026, according to Gambling Control Unit Executive Director Milton Champion, as the state continues working through its rules and licensing preparations.
Asked by Gambling Insider whether a launch before the end of 2026 was possible, Champion pointed to the legal review still required.
Depends on the time taken with regard to the legality review. In my experience, the first quarter of 2027 is more practical.”
Maine legalized online casinos in January, giving its four federally recognized Wabanaki Nations exclusive rights to offer the games through partnerships with commercial operators.
Another Comment Round Could Precede Legal Review
No launch date has been confirmed. The state published its third set of proposed rules on Sept. 30. The package covers 15 chapters, including licensing, player accounts, gaming systems, advertising and responsible gambling. Comments on the latest revisions are due by 11:59 p.m. on Oct. 30, with no public hearing scheduled for this round.
Champion outlined two paths once that deadline passes.
If no substantive changes are accepted, then the final adoption package goes to the Attorney General’s office for legality review of which they have 120 days,” he said.
Substantive changes, however, could delay the process.
If there are substantive changes accepted, then there will be a fourth publication for comments followed by legality review.”
The 120-day period is the time available for review, not a prediction that the Attorney General’s office will use it all. If another round of comments is needed, that would further delay the start of the review.
Six Staff Hires and New Licensing Portal Still Needed
The rules are only part of the work still ahead. Champion said the unit also needs to hire six staff members, arrange iGaming training and get a new licensing portal and database up and running so companies can submit applications online.
For now, companies can prepare their paperwork, but they cannot submit it. The unit’s application page says it will announce when submissions can begin.
Operators, meanwhile, are already lining up their tribal partnerships. Caesars expanded its partnerships with three Wabanaki Nations into iGaming in June, announcing plans to launch Caesars Palace Online Casino, Caesars Sportsbook & Casino and Horseshoe Online Casino, subject to regulatory approval.
Those agreements are with the Penobscot Nation, the Mi’kmaq Nation, and the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, all three of which already work with Caesars on online sports betting. The fourth tribe, the Passamaquoddy Tribe, has yet to announce an online casino partner. It currently works with DraftKings on online sports betting.
The draft rules also leave open the possibility of temporary licenses, if the director approves them. A temporary license could last up to one year or until a final application decision, whichever comes first.
That would not mean operators could skip the usual checks. They would still need to submit an application, pay the required fees, provide a recent system audit and show they hold a comparable gambling license in good standing in another U.S. state, among other requirements.
Whether Maine will actually use temporary licenses when the market opens remains unclear.
Automated Self-Exclusion and Player Protections
Champion confirmed that an outside provider will run the automated self-exclusion program.
IDPair has contracted with Maine CDC and will be administering the Board’s automated Universal Self-Exclusion program for all areas.”
Under the proposed rules, operators would use an approved third-party system to check the universal self-exclusion list. Players could be added to or removed from the list through that system, replacing the previously proposed procedures, which involve email or fax notifications and the monthly distribution of the full list.
Players must be at least 21 and physically present in Maine when wagering. They also would not be allowed to fund their accounts with credit cards.
The rules also address how operators handle player money.
Customer funds would have to be kept separate from operating accounts, and operators would need a $500,000 bond and enough reserves to cover what they owe players. Platforms would also need to provide players with their gambling history, including spending, games played and net wins or losses, plus in-play updates on time spent and account balances.
Advertising would face its own restrictions, particularly when it comes to younger audiences. Operators could not target people under 21 with marketing on Maine college and university campuses. The rules would also restrict promotional flyers, in-person account sign-ups involving underage individuals and gambling-branded merchandise aimed primarily at that age group.
Advertising and promotions would have to identify the tribe that benefits from the gaming operation by name and logo. The latest revisions require the tribe’s name and logo to receive the same prominence as the management services provider’s name and logo.
Out-of-State Live-Dealer Studios Would Be Allowed
Live-dealer games could be streamed to Maine players from studios inside or outside the state, subject to the director’s approval of the location.
Studios would still have to meet security and surveillance requirements, including continuous video surveillance of gaming tables and dealing areas. Dealers and other studio employees would need occupational licenses.
The latest revisions also add quarterly inspections of live-dealer systems and studios. Operators would have to cover the costs, including inspectors’ travel, lodging and meals.
The rules distinguish between where games are produced and where bets are processed. Game engines, random number generators and other systems supporting live-dealer games could be located outside Maine. But the main server that accepts and stores wagers would have to be in the state.
Games, software and equipment would also have to receive independent laboratory certification before being offered.
License Fees and Tax Requirements
The proposed rules set the initial license fee for an online casino operator at $50,000. Management services providers and suppliers would each pay $10,000, with background investigation costs charged separately.
Operators would also pay an 18% tax on adjusted gross internet gaming receipts. They would not be able to deduct the cost of free play, sign-up bonuses or other marketing promotions when calculating that amount.
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