Caesars Entertainment is set to operate three online casino brands in Maine, amidst ongoing legal challenges to the state's tribal iGaming framework.
The company has broadened its collaboration with three of the four federally recognized Wabanaki Nations, securing rights to three online casino skins authorized under Maine's recent tribal iGaming legislation.
This new agreement includes the Penobscot Nation, the Mi’kmaq Nation, and the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, expanding Caesars’ existing partnership in sports betting to encompass online casino gaming.
Pending regulatory approval, Caesars intends to launch the Caesars Palace Online Casino, Caesars Sportsbook & Casino, and Horseshoe Online Casino in the state.
According to the online casino law enacted in January, each of Maine's four federally recognized tribes can partner with one commercial operator to offer internet casino gaming.
With three tribes now aligned with Caesars, the Passamaquoddy Tribe remains the only one without an online casino partner. Currently, they collaborate with DraftKings for online sports betting, positioning DraftKings as a likely candidate for the remaining online casino skin should their partnership extend into iGaming.
While an official launch date for iGaming in Maine has not been announced, industry experts anticipate the market to open in late 2026 or sometime in 2027.
The expanded partnership builds on Caesars Sportsbook’s introduction in Maine in 2023, when the company first partnered with these tribes following the legalization of online sports betting.
Caesars has pledged to invest in workforce development by hiring and training members from each nation, while also providing financial backing for tribal community initiatives.
The upcoming online casino platforms will integrate with Caesars Sportsbook via the company’s Universal Digital Wallet and Caesars Rewards loyalty program.
Eric Hession, President of Caesars Digital, expressed pride in the expanded partnership, emphasizing their commitment to the Wabanaki Nations and the goal of delivering a unique digital gaming experience for residents of Maine.
Chief Kirk Francis of the Penobscot Nation highlighted that this expanded partnership builds on their established relationship through sports betting, presenting a “meaningful opportunity” for the Wabanaki Nations.
However, the online casino law is facing legal challenges. Proponents of the tribal-controlled iGaming market argue that it would generate new long-term revenue for the tribes while ensuring a well-regulated environment.
Conversely, the law has encountered resistance from existing retail and online casino operators. Major gaming companies, including FanDuel, BetMGM, and Fanatics, opposed the legislation during committee hearings, claiming that the exclusive tribal model would hinder their entry into the Maine market.
Maine's retail casino sector has also voiced opposition to iGaming. Earlier this year, Churchill Downs, which operates Oxford Casino, filed a lawsuit to block the legislation, arguing that granting exclusive online casino rights to tribes violates constitutional protections by creating a monopoly. The lawsuit seeks to prevent the law from being enacted.