Caesars Entertainment Expands Partnership with Maine Tribes Ahead of iGaming Launch

Caesars has expanded its partnership with Maine’s tribes to include online casino gaming ahead of the state’s iGaming launch later this year.

Charlotte Capewell

Last Updated: June 26, 2026 1:10 PM EDT • 2 minute read

Pictured: White roulette wheel as we look at Caesars expanded partnership with Maine tribes. Photo by USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

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Caesars Entertainment has set its sights on Maine’s upcoming regulated online gambling market after expanding its partnership with the state’s tribal nations to include online casino gaming.

The agreement was made with the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, the Mi’kmaq Nation, and the Penobscot Nation, all of which are currently partners of Caesars in the Maine sports betting market. If approved by regulators, the new arrangement will introduce three new Caesars online casino brands later this year.

The announcement comes after legislative changes that legalized online casinos in Maine. Under the new rules, the state’s four federally recognized tribes have been given exclusive rights to operate online casinos, mirroring the arrangement already in place for sports betting.

“As we look ahead to the launch of online casino gaming in Maine, we’re proud to expand our partnership with the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, the Mi’kmaq Nation and the Penobscot Nation,” said Eric Hession, President of Caesars Digital. “Together, we’ve built a strong and responsible sports wagering experience, and this next phase reinforces our commitment to our tribal partners and to delivering a differentiated, localized digital gaming experience for Mainers. We’re grateful to Gov. Janet Mills, the Maine Legislature and the Maine Gambling Control Unit for their continued leadership and thoughtful approach to gaming in the state.”

Maine becomes the eighth state to legalize iGaming

Maine is now the eighth state in the US to offer legal online casino gaming after Governor Janet Mills approved bill LD 1164 in January, granting exclusive iGaming rights to the state’s four tribes. The move comes after the state banned sweepstakes casinos.

The measure, which will take effect three months after the state legislature adjourns, allows the tribes to operate online casinos either independently or with commercial partners. Three of the tribes have an ongoing link with Caesars, as mentioned above, while the Passamaquoddy Tribe partners with another sports betting company, DraftKings.

The new law sets the tax rate on online casino revenue at 18%, compared to the state’s 10% tax on sports betting revenue. According to state projections, online casino gaming could produce up to $100 million in tax revenue during the next ten years.

Speaking about the legislation, Governor Mills said she had concerns about the public health impact of expanded gambling, but concluded that online casino gaming should be regulated and overseen by the Maine Gambling Control Unit.

The Maine Gambling Control Board, however, opposed the legislation, arguing that the state’s two commercial casinos should have been part of the expanded online gaming market, and warning that limiting it to tribal entities could hit both casino revenues and employment.

The National Association Against iGaming was also opposed to the expansion and said that it may look into a statewide referendum on the issue. Under Maine law, opponents of a piece of legislation can seek a ‘people’s veto’ by gathering enough signatures within 90 days of the law taking effect to force a referendum on the issue.

Written by:
Charlotte Capewell

Charlotte’s love for all things iGaming shines through in everything she writes. From sports betting and U.S. legislation to prediction markets and beyond, she blends sharp analysis with storytelling that makes even the most technical topics come alive. Always chasing the next big scoop, Charlotte keeps a close eye on industry news, eager to share her excitement and insights with readers, whether they’re industry veterans or newcomers discovering iGaming for the first time. When she’s not deep in gaming headlines, you’ll probably find her glued to the F1, cheering on her favorite team, Williams, and driver. Her dream? To be trackside at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, notebook in hand, of course.