Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians
The Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians is one of Maine's four federally recognized Wabanaki Nations and one of three that selected Caesars as its commercial sports betting partner under LD 585.
At a Glance
Geography & Heritage
The Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians is headquartered in Houlton, in northern Aroostook County. The Maliseet are part of the broader Wabanaki Confederacy and share linguistic and cultural ties with Maliseet First Nations across the Canadian border in New Brunswick.
While many Maliseet communities exist in Canada, the Houlton Band is the only federally recognized Maliseet tribe in the United States. Federal recognition came in 1980 through the Maine Indian Claims Settlement Act, the same legislation that addressed land claims for the Penobscot and Passamaquoddy.
The Caesars Partnership
The Maliseet selected Caesars Sportsbook as their LD 585 commercial partner, joining the Penobscot Nation and the Aroostook Band of Micmacs in the three-tribe Caesars coalition. The fourth Wabanaki tribe, the Passamaquoddy, chose DraftKings instead.
Economic Significance
Sports betting revenue from the Caesars partnership supplements other Maliseet economic activities and supports tribal government operations, services, and community development in Aroostook County — one of the most economically challenged regions of Maine.
Related Reading
- The Wabanaki Nations overview
- LD 585 — Sports Wagering Act explained
- Caesars Sportsbook Maine review
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