Maine regulators have released another round of proposed online casino regulations as the state moves closer to launching its legal iGaming market. The updated rules, dated Sept. 30, represent the third publication of regulations tied to the state’s online casino framework and revise an earlier draft released in July.
The changes come months after Maine became the eighth U.S. state to legalize online casino gaming. Under the law, online casino licenses are reserved for the state’s Wabanaki tribes, though no operator has launched yet and regulators have not announced an official start date for the market.
State officials are currently accepting public comments on the latest draft through Oct. 30. After the comment period closes, regulators may make additional adjustments before finalizing the rules that will govern online casinos in Maine.
One of the most significant revisions concerns live dealer gaming operations. The updated rules clarify that while the primary server used to accept and store wagers must remain in Maine, other critical infrastructure can be located outside the state.
That includes game engines, random number generators and backend technology systems used to support online casino products. The clarification provides operators with more flexibility when building technology platforms and mirrors practices already used in other regulated gaming markets.
Regulators also added a formal definition for live dealer games. The revised language describes them as games run by a licensed live dealer using physical gaming equipment and streamed to players in real time through video technology.
Another notable change is that live dealer studios will not be required to operate within Maine’s borders. Studios located elsewhere may be approved if they satisfy regulatory requirements related to security, surveillance, staffing and operational controls.
However, the rules also impose oversight requirements. Regulators would conduct quarterly audits of live dealer systems and studios, with operators responsible for covering inspection-related costs.
The latest draft also changes how certain game updates will be handled after launch.
State regulators will continue to require approval for new core game mechanics and other substantial gameplay changes. However, routine updates appear set to face fewer administrative hurdles than originally proposed.
Under the July version of the rules, written approval from the director was required before any game could be offered to players. The revised language allows certified games that fall within previously approved categories to be introduced after regulatory notification rather than through a separate approval process.
The change could help reduce delays when operators add games that have already undergone testing and certification by recognized laboratories.
Additionally, software patches, maintenance releases, configuration updates and security improvements would no longer need individual regulatory approval. Operators must still keep detailed records of those changes and provide documentation if requested by regulators.
The revised rules also introduce several consumer protection and marketing provisions.
Advertising materials would be prohibited from targeting individuals under the age of 21. The rules further require operators to give equal prominence to both the licensed tribal partner and the commercial operator involved in the platform.
Maine’s latest draft also includes requirements tied to real-time self-exclusion measures, reflecting the state’s broader focus on responsible gaming controls as it prepares for a future launch.
While important pieces of the regulatory framework are now taking shape, several steps remain before online casinos go live in Maine. Final rules, licensing approvals, platform testing and ongoing legal challenges could all influence the eventual launch timeline.
