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.
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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.
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