Maine Casinos Make $14.4 Million in September, iGaming Bill Awaits Return From Legislative Break

Casinos in Maine generated $14.4 million in September, a 5.7% increase from the $13.6 million generated in September 2024.  Of the total, slots generated $12.2 million, up 8.2% from $11.3 million, however, table games revenue fell 7% from $2.3 million to $2.1 million. 

Meanwhile, a bill has been stalled in the state by Governor Janet Mills that would have expanded tribal gaming rights in the state, allowing the Wabanaki Nations to expand from only offering online sports betting to also offering online casino games. 

Positives All Around For Maine Casinos 

According to the latest figures from the Maine Gambling Control Unit, both of Maine’s two casinos saw profits increase year-on-year in September. 

Oxford Casino led the way for profits in September, generating $8.8 million, a 5.3% increase from $8.4 million in September 2024. Slots in the casino generated $7.6 million, an 8.4% increase year-on-year from $7 million. In contrast, table game revenue fell 10.2%, from $1.4 million to $1.3 million. 

Additionally, Hollywood Casino saw profits increase, rising by 6.2% from $5.2 million to $5.5 million. Slots generated $4.6 million in September, a rise of 8% from $4.1 million the year prior, while table games profits fell 2.1% year-on-year from $899.122 to $880,064. 

Missing Signature Stalls Maine iGaming 

After passing LD 1164 in June, Maine lawmakers must now wait until January 2026 to hear the verdict from Governor Janet Mills. After a delayed action, it missed the legislative break deadline. 

After passing the House 85-59 and the Senate 18-17, bill LD 1164 now sits on Governor Mills's desk, awaiting to see whether it will be vetoed or signed. 

After legalizing sports betting in 2022 and granting exclusive rights to the Wabanaki Nations, the new bill would follow suit and give exclusive rights to four tribes, the Penobscot Nation, Passamaquoddy Tribe, Mi’kmaq Nation, and Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, to offer iGaming in the state. 

Bill LD 1164 will now sit with 60 other bills until January 2026, as Governor Mills did not sign or veto it in time for the end of the 2025 legislative session. However, after vetoing a tribal casino bill in 2021, there are doubts that Gov Mills will support the bill when the session begins again in January. 

The introduction of online gambling would come with an 18% tax rate, which is expected to raise $1.8 million in 2025-26 and double to $3.6 million in 2026-27. 

Faced with a veto, the bill would need a two-thirds vote in both the House and the Senate, which, after such a close passing in the Senate, it looks unlikely to pass.