Janet Trafton Mills, Maine’s Governor, allowed a gambling bill to go into effect without her signature. Under the document’s provisions, the state’s federally recognised tribe operators would receive exclusivity to launch digital gaming platforms.
Fundamental Details of the New Initiative
The project is officially registered as LD 1164. This legislation grants indigenous American communities the right to work online.
Among the permitted nations are the following:
- Mi’kmaq;
- Maliseets;
- Penobscot;
- Passamaquoddy.
Each tribe has the right to select 1 certified platform supplier. The annual licensing fee is set at $50,000 per system.
Internet-based entertainment portals will be allowed to start offering their services about 3 months after the conclusion of the current state session, which runs until April 15th. The approximate launch date is July 14th.
Comments on the Promising Reform
The Governor decided to back up the initiative following a meaningful dialogue with local tribal leaders. They assessed the document as crucial to strengthening native communities' economic sovereignty. Ms Mills said she remains concerned about the potential negative impact of iGaming products on public health, but believes this area should be supervised.
Maine’s Gambling Control Unit will provide a robust legal foundation for the new market. This choice will ensure a sustainable oversight framework and financial benefits for local tribes. The Governor also claimed that she has always been committed to improving the living conditions of native peoples and hopes the new law will help move forward in this direction.
Indigenous communities' representatives called the initiative an important milestone on the path to economic self-sufficiency and long-term stability. They consider such support a groundbreaking point. The financial situation has significantly improved due to the state authorities' constructive decisions.
Proceeds from online casinos are intended to be used for funding essential government services. This strategy will bring undeniable benefits to rural areas in the neighbourhood.
Regulatory Bodies' Criticism and Opposition
The initiative has provoked a strong response from some national agencies and public organisations. Maine’s CDC, a centre for handling and preventing diseases, and the Gambling Control Board's members expressed their concern.
The main aspects of worry are as follows:
- increased risk of ludomania;
- unrestrained expansion of the digital segment;
- online niche’s potential negative impact on the regional labour market.
Previously, the exclusion of already operating land-based brands from the internet environment was not supported. The state’s Board objected to the initiative. Its members claimed that banning offline Oxford and Hollywood locations from providing services on the Web is inappropriate and shapes a monopoly. It could ultimately cause economic harm to the facilities' owners, employees, and customers.
The NAAiG, a nationwide association that opposes digital gaming, joined in criticising the Governor’s decision. The organisation’s representatives believe that her approach ignores society’s disapproval, recommendations from relevant agencies, and the robust oversight system. The latter has been successfully in place for over 10 years, bringing practical benefits to local communities.
According to NAAiG’s public opinion poll, a significant portion of state residents oppose expanding the online segment. The association’s members also claim that Ms Mills' change of heart coincided with the upcoming start of US Senate elections, viewing the decision as politically motivated.
Benefits of the Web Vertical Launch
If the bill is enacted, the region will receive an additional source of budget revenue equal to 18% of tribal digital casinos' GGR.
The funds are planned to be used for financing the following areas:
- ludomania prevention and treatment programs;
- measures to combat the opioid crisis;
- emergency housing assistance;
- loans for education renovations;
- Veterans' Home services, etc.
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