Caesars Expands Partnership with Wabanaki Nations for Maine iGaming

^{The Caesars Entertainment brand has doubled its tribal partnerships in Maine after adding three Wabanaki Nations. (Photo: Timon Schneider / Alamy)}

Caesars Entertainment announced Wednesday that it is expanding its relationship with three Wabanaki Nations, building on their prior work together to prepare for the launch of regulated iGaming in Maine.

Caesars has already partnered with the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, the Mi’kmaq Nation, and the Penobscot Nation to provide online sports betting in Maine, as Caesars Sportsbook launched there in 2023. The new agreement is for a “potential” 2026 launch of iGaming in the state, pending regulatory approvals.

Wabanaki Gained Controversial iGaming Rights Earlier This Year

Maine Gov. Janet Mills approved tribal iGaming in January, despite initially opposing the bill. She eventually authorized the legislation following a lengthy delay, citing conversations with the elected Chiefs of the Wabanaki Nations in her decision.

That decision drew backlash from Maine's land-based casino operators. Oxford Casino filed a lawsuit that said the law created an illegal “race-based monopoly” on online gambling in Maine.

But the Wabanaki Nations have maintained that online gambling is critical to the economic well-being of their communities. In a press release announcing the partnership, tribal leaders expressed gratitude for the relationship with the gaming giant.

“The Mi’kmaq Nation values the strong relationship we have built with Caesars and our fellow Wabanaki partners,” Chief Sheila McCormack of the Mi’kmaq Nation said in a statement. “Expanding into online casino gaming allows us to continue creating economic opportunities for our people while ensuring that any future platform is developed in a responsible, well-regulated manner that benefits the tribes and the state.”

“This long-term agreement reflects our shared commitment to strengthening Maine’s rural communities and is vital to the Houlton Band’s self-determination and economic self-sufficiency,” added Chief Clarissa Sabattis of the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians. “Internet gaming revenues will provide our tribal government with a more secure, long-term source of revenue that will help us provide essential services and make critical investments in community infrastructure.”

Caesars to Integrate Maine iGaming and Sports Betting Products Into One Platform

According to Caesars, the new iGaming platforms will fully integrate with Caesars Sportsbook, allowing gamblers in Maine to log in to both sites with a single login and wallet. The iGaming site will also be integrated with the Caesars Rewards program.

Caesars Digital President Eric Hession said the expanded partnership reflects the company's commitment to its tribal relationships in the state.

“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,” Hession said in a statement. “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.”

No date has been set for the launch of the Wabanaki iGaming sites, though online casino gaming will officially become legal on July 15, 2026. For more on the impact that tribal gaming is having in Maine and throughout North America, be sure to join the Casinos.com celebration of Tribal Gaming Month.