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MaineLD 1164132nd Maine Legislature (2025-2026)HouseWALLET

An Act to Create Economic Opportunity for the Wabanaki Nations Through Internet Gaming

Sponsored By: Ambureen Rana (Democratic)

Became Law

GAMBLINGGAMBLING - INTERNET

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

8 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 4 mixed.

18% state take from online gaming

Operators must pay 18% of adjusted gross internet gaming receipts to the state. The law splits that 18% as: 2% to the Gambling Control Unit; 2% to gambling addiction treatment; 2.5% to dairy stabilization; 1.5% to opioid treatment; 2% to emergency housing; 5% to veterans’ homes; 1% to the Fund for a Healthy Maine; and 2% to school renovation. Late payments owe 1.5% interest per month.

Internet gaming now legal for tribes

The law allows internet gambling in Maine when licensed and run under state rules. Only federally recognized tribes can hold an operator license, and each tribe can have one license. A license may be transferred only to a Maine‑based company wholly owned by that tribe. Licensed gaming is not treated as a “game of chance,” and conduct within a license is exempt from certain criminal provisions.

Gaming winnings used to pay child support

The state keeps a secure list of people who owe liquidated child support. Before paying any prize at or above the federal Form W‑2G level, operators must check the list. If listed, they must withhold up to the debt, send it to the state within 7 days, and may keep $10 to cover costs. A notified winner can request a limited administrative hearing within 15 days.

State regulator sets and enforces rules

The Gambling Control Unit director oversees internet gaming, issues licenses, sets rules on operations, security, ads, self‑exclusion, and testing, and collects fees and taxes. The state can deny, suspend, or fine licenses (up to $25,000 per violation) for listed reasons, with hearing rights. The law funds six new regulator positions and admin costs: $645,354 in 2025‑26 and $668,001 in 2026‑27 from the General Fund, plus other special funds for positions and $200,000/$400,000 for admin.

Seed funding for housing, health, schools, vets

The law provides one‑time seed money in 2025‑26 and 2026‑27 to several programs tied to internet gaming revenue. It adds: $200,000/$400,000 to gambling addiction; $150,000/$300,000 to opioid treatment; $100,000/$200,000 to the Fund for a Healthy Maine; $250,000/$500,000 to dairy stabilization; $500,000/$1,000,000 to veterans’ homes; $200,000/$400,000 to emergency housing; and $200,000/$400,000 to school renovation.

Age limits and fair-play checks online

People under 21 and other listed groups cannot place wagers. Operators must keep betting records for at least three years, including identity, amount, time, location (like IP address), and results. Operators must report suspicious wagering and share anonymized real‑time data for integrity checks when required, while keeping it confidential. Suppliers must list their gaming equipment and get it tested and approved by an independent lab.

Workers need gaming licenses and checks

Anyone working directly in internet gaming must hold an occupational license. You pay $250 to apply, then $25 for a 1‑year renewal or $50 for 3 years; an employer may pay. State Police take your fingerprints for the background check, and you pay the set fee. If you already hold an active casino or sports wagering employee license, you do not pay the internet gaming license application or renewal fees.

Licenses and fee rules for operators

An operator license costs $50,000. Supplier and management services licenses each cost $10,000. The director may also charge processing and background‑check fees. Management contracts cannot pay more than 30% of adjusted gross internet gaming receipts, unless the director approves up to 40% as commercially reasonable.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Ambureen Rana

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Aaron Dana

    T • House

  • Amy Roeder

    Democratic • House

  • Arthur Mingo

    Republican • House

  • Craig V. Hickman

    Democratic • Senate

  • Eleanor Sato

    Democratic • House

  • Marianne Moore

    Republican • Senate

  • Rachel Talbot Ross

    Democratic • Senate

  • Rafael Macias

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 259 • No: 205

House vote • 6/17/2025

Enactment

Yes: 87 • No: 60

Senate vote • 6/16/2025

ACCEPT MINORITY OUGHT NOT TO PASS REPORT

Yes: 17 • No: 18

Senate vote • 6/16/2025

INDEFINITELY POSTPONE

Yes: 17 • No: 18

Senate vote • 6/16/2025

RECONSIDER

Yes: 19 • No: 15

Senate vote • 6/16/2025

RECONSIDER

Yes: 17 • No: 18

House vote • 6/12/2025

ACC MAJ OTP AS AMENDED REP

Yes: 85 • No: 59

Senate vote • 6/12/2025

ACCEPT MAJORITY OUGHT TO PASS AS AMENDED REPORT

Yes: 17 • No: 17

Actions Timeline

  1. ACTPUB Chapter 538

    5/1/2026

  2. HELD BY THE GOVERNOR.

    7/8/2025Senate

  3. On motion by Senator ROTUNDO of Androscoggin taken from the Special Appropriations Table PASSED TO BE ENACTED in concurrence.

    6/25/2025Senate

  4. On motion by Senator ROTUNDO of Androscoggin PLACED ON THE SPECIAL APPROPRIATIONS TABLE pending ENACTMENT in concurrence

    6/17/2025Senate

  5. PASSED TO BE ENACTED. ROLL CALL NO. 550(Yeas 87 - Nays 60 - Absent 2 - Excused 2)Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    6/17/2025House

  6. Taken from the table by the President The motion to RECONSIDER where by the Senate FAILED ACCEPTANCE of The Majority Ought to Pass As Amended Report FAILED. Roll Call Ordered Roll Call Number 570 Yeas 19 - Nays 15 - Excused 1 - Absent 0 Subsequently ACCEPTANCE of The Minority Ought Not To Pass Report FAILED Roll Call Ordered Roll Call Number 573 Yeas 17 - Nays 18 - Excused 0 - Absent 0 Subsequently, The Majority Ought to Pass As Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (H-393) Report ACCEPTED. READ ONCE Motion by Senator STEWART of Aroostook to INDEFINITELY POSTPONE bill and accompanying papers FAILED. Roll Call Ordered Roll Call Number 574 Yeas 17 - Nays 18 - Excused 0 - Absent 0 Committee Amendment "A" (H-393) READ and ADOPTED. Under suspension of the Rules, READ A SECOND TIME and PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED by Committee Amendment "A" (H-393) HELD at the Request of Senator STEWART of Aroostook Motion by Senator PIERCE of Cumberland the Senate RECONSIDERED their actions whereby the Bill was PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED by Committee Amendment "A" (H-393) FAILED Roll Call Ordered Roll Call Number 575 Yeas 17 - Nays 18 - Excused 0 - Absent 0 Subsequently the Bill was PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED by Committee Amendment "A" (H-393) in concurrence

    6/16/2025Senate

  7. Unfinished Business

    6/13/2025Senate

  8. Motion by Senator HICKMAN of Kennebec The Majority Ought to Pass As Amended Report FAILED Roll Call Ordered Roll Call Number 513 Yeas 17 - Nays 17 - Excused 1 - Absent 0 On motion by Senator PIERCE of Cumberland Tabled until Later in Today's Session, pending ACCEPTANCE of the The Minority Ought Not To Pass Report. Taken from the table by the President Motion by Senator TIPPING of Penobscot to RECONSIDER whereby ACCEPTANCE of The Majority Ought to Pass As Amended FAILED Motion by Senator BENNETT of Oxford to adjourn FAILED Roll Call Ordered Roll Call Number 521 Yeas - 16 Nays - 19 - Excused 1 - Absent 0 Subsequently, On motion by Senator PIERCE of Cumberland Tabled until Later in Today's Session, pending RECONSIDERATION whereby ACCEPTANCE of the Majority Ought to Pass As Amended Report FAILED

    6/13/2025Senate

  9. Speaker laid before the HouseSubsequently, on motion of Representative SUPICA of Bangor, the Majority Ought to Pass as Amended Report was ACCEPTED.ROLL CALL NO. 452(Yeas 85 - Nays 59 - Absent 5 - Excused 2)The Bill was READ ONCE.Committee Amendment "A" (H-393) was READ and ADOPTED.Under suspension of the rules, the Bill was given its SECOND READING without REFERENCE to the Committee on Bills in the Second Reading.The Bill was PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (H-393).Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    6/12/2025House

  10. Unfinished Business

    6/11/2025House

  11. Unfinished Business

    6/10/2025House

  12. Unfinished Business

    6/9/2025House

  13. Unfinished Business

    6/5/2025House

  14. Unfinished Business

    6/4/2025House

  15. Reports READ.On motion of Representative SUPICA of Bangor, TABLED pending ACCEPTANCE of Either Report.Later today assigned.

    6/4/2025House

  16. Carried over, in the same posture, to the next special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 519.

    3/21/2025House

  17. The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on VETERANS AND LEGAL AFFAIRS in concurrence

    3/20/2025Senate

  18. Committee on Veterans and Legal Affairs suggested and ordered printed. The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on VETERANS AND LEGAL AFFAIRS.Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    3/20/2025House

Bill Text

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