Online Casino Bills Fail in Maine and Arkansas
Key Takeaways
The legislative initiatives to legalize online casinos in Maine and Arkansas have failed for the year 2025. Proposals were discussed in both states but were ultimately shelved. In Maine, an exclusive tribal model faced opposition from existing casinos. In Arkansas, a bill failed in committee despite bipartisan support. Both states are now relying on further studies and analyses before taking any new steps.
Online Casino Bill in Maine Postponed Again
In early April, Maine lawmakers debated a bill that would have granted the state’s four federally recognized tribes exclusive rights to operate online casinos. The model was based on the existing online sports betting system, where tribes hold the licenses and partner with external technology and brand providers.
However, the proposal met significant resistance. The two land-based casinos in the state – Hollywood Casino in Bangor and Oxford Casino Hotel – opposed the monopoly model. They feared competitive disadvantages and lobbied politically against the bill.
Due to political pressure and ongoing disagreements, lawmakers decided to put the proposal on hold. A further review has been announced, ruling out any passage in 2025. A similar attempt had already failed in 2024.
Arkansas: iGaming Push Met with Caution
Online sports betting is already legal in Arkansas. A new bill – HB 1861 – aimed to expand this to include online casino games. Introduced by Representative Matt Duffield, the bill proposed allowing the state’s three licensed casinos to partner with national iGaming brands like FanDuel or DraftKings.
These partnerships would have enabled the casinos to offer their own mobile platforms for players aged 21 and over. A portion of the revenue was intended to fund NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) programs for college athletes – an innovative approach to financing collegiate sports.
You should read that too:
-
Asian Slots – The Best Asia-Themed Online Slot GamesReading time: ~ 3 minutes
-
Africa Slots: Best African-Themed Slot Machines
Reading time: ~ 3 minutes
-
Oyine N.V. Casinos
Reading time: ~ 3 minutes
-
Liernin Enterprises Ltd Casinos
Reading time: ~ 3 minutes
-
Versus Odds B.V. Casinos
Reading time: ~ 3 minutes
Although the proposal was supported by seven lawmakers from both parties, the House Judiciary Committee declined to advance it. Instead, they decided to first study the economic and social impacts of legalization. As a result, the launch of online casinos in Arkansas is not expected anytime soon.
Background on the Delays
The hesitation in both states highlights how complex the legalization of online casinos remains across the U.S. Conflicting interests – from commercial operators, Indigenous groups, and political stakeholders – make quick solutions difficult. Additionally, social concerns such as gambling addiction prevention and market regulation play a central role.
While some states like New Jersey and Michigan have already implemented successful models, others are proceeding much more cautiously. The developments in Maine and Arkansas underscore that the path to nationwide legalization in the U.S. is still a long one.
Our Assessment
For players in Maine and Arkansas, access to legal online casinos remains limited. The political processes show that economic interests and social responsibility must be carefully balanced. Residents in these states will have to settle for the existing offerings – such as online sports betting – for now.
For the industry, this means patience is required. In the long term, well-researched studies and transparent regulations could pave the way for controlled legalization. Until then, the market in both states remains closed.
| Wagering requirements | 35x bonus |
| 35x free spins winnings | |
| Minimum deposit | €20 |
| Maximum bet | €5 |
| Bonus validity | 30 days to claim |
| 14 days to wager / 7 days for free spins |
- There is no maximum bonus amount.
- 10 Free Spins per day over ten (10) days on Gates of Olympus or Book of Ra Deluxe.
| Wagering requirements | 40x bonus |
| 40x free spins winnings | |
| Minimum deposit | 0.0005 BTC |
| Maximum bet | 0.00004 BTC |
| Bonus validity | 30 days after registration |
| 14 days (1st), 7 days (2nd), 1 day (3rd) |
- To get the bonus, enter the bonus code before the deposit.
- Minimum deposit: 0,07 BCH • 0,4 LTC • 233 DOG • 45 XRP • 0,01 ETH • 20 USDT • 69 ADA • 0,05 BNB • 184 TRX • 20 USDC.
- Maximum bet: 0.007 BCH • 0.0009 ETH • 0.04 LTC • 23 DOGE • 2 USDT • 4 XRP • 18 TRX • 7 ADA • 0.005 BNB • 2 USDC • 2 EUR • 2 USD.
- Free spins are provided in batches of 25 per day.
- Free spins are credited on the Gamebeat slots: Max Miner (1st), Book of Elixir (2nd) and Odin’s Tree (3rd).
| 1st deposit | 120% up to $500 + 100 Free Spins |
| 2nd deposit | 100% up to $300 + 100 Free Spins |
| 3rd deposit | 150% up to $500 + 100 Free Spins |
| 4th deposit | 100% up to $300 + 100 Free Spins |
| Wagering requirements | 45x deposit + bonus |
| 40x free spins winnings | |
| Minimum deposit | $10 (1st) |
| $15 (2nd-4th) | |
| Maximum bet | $5 per round |
| Bonus validity | 30 days to claim, 7 days (1st-4th) |
| 7 days for free spins |
- You must complete the registration and verification process, including a valid email or phone number, to qualify for this bonus.
- You must select the desired bonus during the deposit process.
- There is a maximum withdrawal limit of $10 from winnings derived from free spins.
Advertising transparency