Maine residents waiting for legal online casinos may have to wait longer than anticipated. The state’s developing iGaming market faces another potential setback as regulators determine whether proposed rules need yet another round of substantive changes.
The Maine Gambling Control Unit has already reached the third publication of its proposed iGaming rules, released Sept. 30. Executive Director Milt Champion said during an Oct. 20 meeting that significant additional revisions could force regulators into a fourth publication, putting the anticipated first-quarter 2027 launch window in jeopardy.
Comments on the third version of Maine’s regulations are due Oct. 30. Champion said the process can continue if regulators do not accept additional major substantive changes. If they do, however, the rules would have to be published for a fourth time and another comment period would follow.
That additional step could prove costly for Maine’s timeline. Under the state’s rulemaking process, the Gambling Control Unit could have up to 120 days after comments close to adopt the regulations, while the Office of the Attorney General could have up to 150 days from the same date to review them for legality. Champion did not provide a specific revised launch date.
The uncertainty comes as the Gambling Control Unit works on the operational side of launching online casinos. Champion said the agency received approval for a new licensing database and online portal, which is expected to handle applications, licensing payments, approvals and invoicing. Regulators are also working to hire six additional staff members for iGaming oversight.
Maine’s iGaming authorization stems from LD 1164, which became law without Gov. Janet Mills’ signature on Jan. 11, 2026. The legislation established a regulated internet gaming framework and limits operator licenses to Maine’s federally recognized Indian nations, tribes or bands.
The Gambling Control Unit is responsible for administering and enforcing Maine’s internet gaming laws and rules, including licensing mobile operators, management services, suppliers and employees. State law allows approved internet casino games, including blackjack, poker, craps, roulette and baccarat, through digital platforms.
Financial provisions are already established. Maine will tax adjusted gross internet gaming receipts at 18%. The Legislature’s fiscal analysis projected that share could generate $1.8 million in fiscal year 2025-26 and $3.6 million in fiscal year 2026-27, although a delayed launch could affect when actual gaming revenue begins flowing.
September’s revised regulations made several notable operational changes. Live dealer studios would be permitted outside Maine with regulatory approval, while backend systems would no longer have to remain inside the state. However, the primary server accepting and storing live dealer wagers would still have to be located in Maine. Routine game patches and security updates would also no longer require separate approval.
Marketing restrictions are part of the framework as well, including limits on advertising directed at people younger than 21. The revised rules also call for a real-time automated self-exclusion system operated by a third party.
For now, the key date is Oct. 30. If regulators determine the latest comments require major substantive revisions, Maine could enter a fourth round of rulemaking. That would make its previously anticipated first-quarter 2027 launch considerably less certain.
