Maine Online Casino: Is Online Gambling Legal in Maine in 2025?

Wondering where Maine stands on online gambling? The short answer: it’s almost legal, but not quite there yet. The state is moving toward allowing real-money online casino games like slots, blackjack, and roulette… but the final decision still hangs in the air as of June 24, 2025.

Here’s what you need to know about the current state of Maine online casinos, what’s coming next, and how soon you’ll be able to play legally.

So… Is Online Gambling Legal in Maine?

As of today, June 24, 2025, Maine has not fully legalized online casinos… but it’s close. State lawmakers passed a bill (LD 1164) that would give Maine’s four Wabanaki tribes exclusive rights to launch online casino platforms. This means real-money slots, blackjack, roulette, and other games would be run by tribal operators and regulated by the state.

But here’s the catch: the bill isn’t law yet.

• It passed both chambers of the Legislature.
• It’s now sitting on Governor Janet Mills’ desk.
• It’s also tied to appropriations, so it won’t move forward until funding is finalized and the governor weighs in.

Until that happens, there are no legal online casinos in Maine, and anyone claiming otherwise is jumping the gun.

Will Online Casinos Become Legal in Maine Soon?

There are three possible outcomes for LD 1164:

1. Gov. Mills Signs the Bill

If she signs it, the bill becomes law and the Maine Gambling Control Unit begins setting up licensing rules and regulatory oversight. The tribes can then move forward with launching casino platforms, likely in late 2025 or 2026.

2. She Lets It Become Law Without Signing

In Maine, a bill becomes law automatically if the governor doesn’t sign or veto it within 10 days (excluding Sundays). This is a common move when a governor has concerns about a bill but doesn’t want to block it entirely. It’s a political middle ground, and it lets the law move forward without giving it full endorsement.

This option is very much in play here. Gov. Mills has used this tactic in the past on sensitive issues, especially those involving tribal sovereignty. It allows her to avoid direct confrontation while still allowing progress.

3. She Vetoes the Bill

If Mills vetoes the bill, it goes back to the Legislature, where lawmakers would need a two-thirds vote in both chambers to override it. That’s a high bar, and the bill could stall out.

Which Way is Governor Janet Mills Leaning?

This isn’t the first time Gov. Mills has had to weigh in on tribal gaming rights.

• In 2022, she vetoed a tribal gaming expansion bill, citing concerns over regulation and oversight.
• In 2023, she changed course and signed a law giving the tribes exclusive rights to offer online sports betting in Maine.

That shift suggests she may now be more open to tribal-run iGaming, especially if the regulatory structure is clear and the economic benefits are spelled out. Her sports betting approval could signal that she’s willing to allow this bill to pass, even if she doesn’t sign it directly. You can check out the Maine Gambling Control Unit page for more info.

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When Will Legal Online Casinos Launch in Maine?

Right now, there’s no official launch date. If the bill becomes law, either through a signature or by default, here’s what happens next:

1. The Maine Gambling Control Unit drafts and finalizes licensing rules.
2. The tribes apply for licenses and select platform partners.
3. The first legal online casinos launch in Maine.

Realistically, that puts the earliest launch window in late 2025 or early 2026. Until then, there are no legal, regulated real-money online casino platforms in the state.

What Online Casino Games Will Be Available?

Once platforms go live, players in Maine can expect access to:

• Slots: Including popular video slots and progressives like 88 Fortunes. You can learn more about those in our breakdown of 88 Fortunes slot features.
• Blackjack, Roulette, and Baccarat: Classic casino games with live dealer options.
• Live Casino Games: Streamed from studios, offering real-time play with professional dealers.
• Specialty Games: Bingo, keno, scratch cards, and more.

All games will be regulated by the state and subject to fair play audits.

What Online Casino Bonuses Will Be Offered?

Expect the usual mix of welcome offers:

• Deposit matches
• Free spins
• Cashback deals
• Loyalty programs

These will vary by operator, but licensed Maine casinos will likely offer the same kinds of promotions you’ll find in other regulated states. Our full page on online casino bonuses breaks it all down.

How to Prepare for Legal Online Gambling in Maine

Once casinos are approved, here’s how to get started:

1. Choose a licensed platform.
2. Sign up and verify your identity (you’ll need a Maine address and ID).
3. Make your first deposit.
4. Claim any available welcome bonuses.
5. Start playing games for real money.

Looking to brush up before launch day? Check out our Online Casino guide for tips and strategy, or explore no-deposit bonus options for free-play opportunities when casinos go live.

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Where Are Online Casinos Currently Legal in the US?

While Maine is still working through the final steps, several other states have already gone live with legal, regulated online casinos. If you’re wondering how the Pine Tree State stacks up, here’s a quick look at where things stand nationally.

States Where Online Casinos Are Fully Legal and Live:

• New Jersey: The original online casino heavyweight. Launched in 2013 and still one of the most active markets in the country.
• Pennsylvania: Home to a wide mix of slots, table games, and exclusive local brands. Launched in 2019.
• Michigan: Live since 2021 with strong tribal involvement and one of the biggest slot libraries anywhere.
• Connecticut: Only two operators (DraftKings and Mohegan Sun), but fully legal and regulated.
• West Virginia: Smaller market but offers full access to real-money slots, blackjack, and more.
• Delaware: One of the first to legalize, though the market is limited to just one state-run platform.
• Rhode Island: The newest to join the list. Online casino play launched in 2024 through Bally’s.

Coming Soon or in Progress:

• Maine: Bill passed, waiting on the governor. Could launch in 2026 if all goes smoothly.
• Illinois, New York, and Indiana: Have explored legislation but nothing passed yet. These could be the next wave.

If you happen to find yourself in one of these states with legal online casinos, you can take advantage of fully regulated platforms offering a wide range of games, safe deposits, and exciting bonuses. We’ve compiled a list of the top online casinos available in each state to help you get started.

Maine Is Close, but Not Quite There Yet

Maine is on the edge of joining the legal online casino scene, with a bill passed and a potential launch in sight. But until the governor acts and the regulatory wheels start turning, players will need to wait. This isn’t a case of if… it’s a matter of when. All signs point to Maine going live with online casinos in the near future. Until then, check out what other states like Ohio, Maryland, and Illinois are doing as models of what’s coming next.

Once the launch happens, we’ll have full coverage of the best real money online casinos in Maine… including bonuses, games, and how to play legally.

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Maine Online Casino FAQs

Is online gambling legal in Maine?
Not yet. As of June 2025, the Legislature passed a bill to legalize online casinos, but it’s still awaiting the governor’s signature and final regulatory steps. No platforms are live yet.

When will online casinos launch in Maine?
There’s no official launch date, but if the bill becomes law and licensing moves forward smoothly, real money online casino sites could go live in late 2025 or early 2026.

Will I be able to play online slots and table games for real money?
Yes. Once the law is active, Maine residents will be able to legally play real money online slots, blackjack, roulette, and more through licensed tribal platforms.

Can I claim bonuses at Maine online casinos?
You will. Just like in other legal states, licensed Maine casinos are expected to offer deposit matches, free spins, and no-deposit bonus deals once they launch.

Is it legal to play on offshore casino sites from Maine?
No. Offshore casinos are not licensed or regulated in Maine, which means your money and personal info aren’t protected. Stick to legal, in-state platforms once they launch.

Do I need to live in Maine to play?
You don’t need to live there, but you do need to be physically located in Maine and at least 21 years old to play at a legal online casino.

Who will run the online casinos in Maine?
The Wabanaki tribes will have exclusive rights to operate online casinos under the proposed law. Platforms will be licensed and regulated by the Maine Gambling Control Unit.