The Wabanaki Nations
Maine is the only US state where online sports betting licenses are reserved exclusively for federally recognized tribes. The four Wabanaki Nations — Penobscot, Passamaquoddy, Maliseet, and Micmac — each hold the right to partner with one commercial operator under LD 585.
Why Tribal Exclusivity?
The 1980 Maine Indian Land Claims Settlement Act limited the Wabanaki Nations’ ability to operate gaming under federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act provisions. LD 585, signed by Governor Janet Mills in May 2022, restored a measure of economic sovereignty by granting the four tribes exclusive control over Maine’s online sports betting licenses. A separate retail license tier remains available to commercial casinos and off-track betting facilities.
The Four Nations
Penobscot Nation
The largest of the four Wabanaki Nations by enrolled membership. Selected Caesars as its online operator under the LD 585 framework.
Read more →Passamaquoddy Tribe
The only Wabanaki Nation that partnered with DraftKings, giving DraftKings its sole route to the Maine market.
Read more →Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians
Federally recognized in 1980, the Maliseet were among the tribes that selected Caesars as their commercial operator partner.
Read more →Aroostook Band of Micmacs
Federally recognized in 1991. The Micmacs round out Caesars’ three-tribe coalition under LD 585.
Read more →Outcome: A Two-Operator Market
Because three of four tribes selected Caesars, the Maine market launched on November 3, 2023 with just two online sportsbooks: Caesars (representing Penobscot, Maliseet, and Micmac) and DraftKings (representing Passamaquoddy). FanDuel publicly stated it would not pursue a Maine partnership, leaving the duopoly in place for the foreseeable future.
21+. Must be physically located in Maine. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.