Maine Online Casino: Is Online Gambling Legal in Maine in 2026?

Wondering where Maine stands on online gambling? The short answer: it is now legal. The state will soon be allowing real-money online casino games like slots, blackjack, and roulette following the passing of a legalization bill that Gov. Janet Mills elected not to veto. This makes Maine the eighth state to legalize iGaming.

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 January 10, 2026, Maine passed online casino legislation. 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.

The bill was put on the desk of Gov. Mills, where she had until January 10, 2026 to either veto the bill, sign the bill, or take no action and allow it to become law. Mills debated the decision, but decided to let the bill pass and become law prior to the Jan. 10 deadline.

The legislation is facing legal pushback, as Oxford Casino Hotel has filed a lawsuit, accusing the state of discrimination by not allowing the two commercial casinos in Maine to have access to iGaming licenses.

Online casinos will have a 16% tax on revenue, a competitive number with the rest of the legal US states.

Gov. Mills Allows iGaming Bill to Pass

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.

That option was very much in play here. Gov. Mills had opposition from the Maine Gambling Control Unit on the bill. The MGCU wanted it vetoed for excluding the state’s two commercial casinos from being granted online casino licenses. Mills expressed in her decision a desire to help the Maine tribes improve their economic stability.

“This fall, I met with the five elected Chiefs of the Wabanaki Nations, who each spoke passionately about the importance of this bill in offering life-changing revenue for Tribal communities, as well as providing a form of economic sovereignty for their Nations,” she said in a press release.

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When Will Legal Online Casinos Launch in Maine?

Right now, there’s no official launch date. With the bill becoming law on Jan. 10, the next steps include:

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 2026 or 2027. 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.

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. That includes offers like the Golden Nugget Casino promo, the Hard Rock Casino promo, the Hollywood Casino promo, and the betPARX Casino promo currently available in legal states. Our full page on online casino bonuses breaks it all down.

Operator partnerships will likely resemble what we see with Maine sports betting. Currently, the Mi’kmak Nation, Maliseet Tribe, and Penobscot Nation are partnered with Caesars Sportsbook for their retail and online sports betting services, while the Passamaquoddy Tribe is partnered with DraftKings.

How to Prepare for Legal Online Gambling in Maine

Once casinos launch, here’s how to get started:

1. Choose a licensed platform.
2. Sign up and verify your identity
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?

Maine has become the eighth state to legalize online casinos in the US. 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: Legalized iGaming, preparing for launch
• Illinois, New York, Indiana, Virginia, Massachusetts: 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.

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Maine Online Casino FAQs

Is online gambling legal in Maine?
Yes, the Legislature passed a bill to legalize online casinos, and Gov. Mills is allowing the bills to pass through making Maine the eighth US state to legalize online casinos. No online platforms are available yet, with no launch date announced.

When will online casinos launch in Maine?
There’s no official launch date, as the Maine Gambling Control Unit will have to establish regulation and policies before licenses will be granted and launched in the state. Should things go smoothly, real money online casino sites could go live in late 2026 or 2027.

Will I be able to play online slots and table games for real money?
Yes. Once operators are 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.