Penobscot Nation
The Penobscot Nation is the largest of Maine's four federally recognized Wabanaki Nations and one of three that selected Caesars as its commercial online sports betting partner under LD 585.
At a Glance
Geography & History
The Penobscot Nation's primary reservation is on Indian Island near Old Town, in central Maine on the Penobscot River. Tribal lands also include numerous river islands and trust parcels throughout the Penobscot River watershed. The Nation has occupied this region for thousands of years and remains an active steward of the river ecosystem.
The Caesars Partnership
Under LD 585, each of the four Wabanaki Nations holds the right to partner with one commercial sportsbook operator. The Penobscot Nation — along with the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians and the Aroostook Band of Micmacs — selected Caesars Sportsbook. The fourth tribe, the Passamaquoddy, chose DraftKings.
The partnership generates ongoing revenue for the Nation through a share of Caesars' Maine sports betting handle, funding tribal government, education, and economic-development initiatives.
Broader Tribal Sovereignty Context
The 1980 Maine Indian Claims Settlement Act limited the Penobscot Nation's ability to operate Class III gaming under the federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. LD 585 was, in part, a legislative correction to that limitation — restoring a measure of economic sovereignty by reserving Maine's online sports betting licenses exclusively for the four Wabanaki Nations.
Related Reading
- The Wabanaki Nations overview
- LD 585 — Sports Wagering Act explained
- Caesars Sportsbook Maine review
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