According to the Governor’s office, the proposal is a compromise between the state and the Wabanaki who are demanding the same sovereignty rights that other tribes enjoy in states with legal sports betting markets. However, there is stiff opposition from the state’s two casino operators — Churchill Downs (Oxford Casino) and Gaming and Leisure Properties (Hollywood Casino Bangor).
The new bill has been sponsored by assistant Democratic House leader Rachel Talbot Ross and includes several initiatives including sales tax exemptions for transactions on tribal lands. These were all agreed to by the tribes and the state’s administration.
Maine Sports Betting Inches Closer with Proposed Exclusive Tribal Gaming Bill Maine Sports Betting Inches Closer with Proposed Exclusive Tribal Gaming BillOpponents of the bill have claimed that this agreement could put an end to the state’s efforts to legalize sports betting through a bill passed over from last year. That bill would also allow the tribe to operate mobile sportsbooks but not exclusively as local racetracks and casinos would be permitted to apply for licenses.
Chris Jackson, a lobbyist speaking on behalf of Hollywood Casino said:
“To be candid, we find this bill to be a little bit of a headscratcher. The previous bill gave retail and tethered mobile sports betting licenses to the tribes, OTBs (off-track betting facilities), commercial tracks and the casinos. “
The Sports Betting Alliance, an industry group representing operators like FanDuel and DraftKings also argued that the new proposal would limit competition and create a monopoly in the market.
The Judiciary Committee is expected to hold a work session to discuss the bill in the coming weeks.
