Online gambling opposition in Maine intensifies

• Following Gov. Janet Mills' decision to support iGaming legalization, The National Association Against iGaming expressed its disappointment
• The coalition pointed to the results of a recent poll, suggesting a majority of Maine residents oppose the legalization of online gambling
• NAAiG plans to fight the iGaming expansion in Maine

Amid opposition and health concerns surrounding the legalization of online gambling in Maine, Gov. Janet Mills announced her intention to sign a bill that would grant Tribes rights over iGaming.

Announced Thursday, the decision seeks to create economic opportunities for the Wabanaki Nations via the regulation of online gambling.

However, the Governor's decision faced pushback from The National Association Against iGaming (NAAiG), a coalition that fights the online gambling expansion in the state.

The coalition is disappointed with the Governor's decision

A statement by NAAiG explained the coalition is "deeply disappointed by Governor Janet Mills' decision to reverse her long-standing opposition to online casino gambling and allow the iGaming bill on her desk to become law."

This decision, the coalition said, represents a reversal of the Governor's previously stated position.

Only recently, NAAiG released the results of a new poll, suggesting 64% of Maine voters oppose iGaming legalization.

Per the same survey, only 16% of the likely voters said they support the legalization of online gambling.

Equally as concerning, 51% of the voters said that they would be less likely to support a lawmaker who pushes forward iGaming legislation.

According to NAAiG, in this context, the Governor's decision "disregards overwhelming public opposition, expert warnings from her own regulators, and a proven gaming framework that has delivered meaningful benefits to Maine communities and tribal nations for more than a decade."

Maine's plan to legalize iGaming makes the state stand out nationally

Since 2018, when the US Supreme Court struck down PASPA, 2025 was the first year that sports betting legislation wasn't passed anywhere in the country.

Similarly, iGaming hasn't progressed in any state for two years and analysts didn't project seeing such legislation passing.

Early in 2026, Maine made history with its decision to regulate iGaming, but according to NAAiG, this makes the state stand out nationally.

"Maine's action is a striking outlier at a time when states across the country are exercising increased caution," the coalition wrote.

NAAiG's statement further reads: "Maine voters deserve better. They deserve leadership that listens to regulators, respects public opinion, and protects a system that has delivered real results for years."

Not unexpectedly, the coalition reaffirmed it is prepared to fight the online gambling legalization and overturn the law via Maine's People's Veto process.

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