Caesars Lands Deals for Three of Maine’s Four iGaming Skins
The agreement positions Caesars to operate three online casino brands in Maine while litigation challenging the state's tribal iGaming model continues.
Caesars Entertainment has expanded its partnership with three of Maine’s four federally recognized Wabanaki Nations, effectively securing three of the four online casino skins authorized under the state’s new tribal iGaming law.
The agreement covers the Penobscot Nation, the Mi’kmaq Nation, and the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, extending Caesars’ existing sports betting partnership with the tribes into online casino gaming.
Subject to regulatory approval, Caesars plans to launch Caesars Palace Online Casino, Caesars Sportsbook & Casino, and Horseshoe Online Casino in the state.
Under Maine’s enacted online casino legislation from January, each of the state’s four federally recognized tribes may partner with one commercial operator to offer internet casino gaming.
With three tribes now aligned with Caesars, only the Passamaquoddy Tribe has yet to announce an online casino partner. The tribe currently partners with DraftKings for online sports betting, making the operator a leading candidate for the state’s remaining online casino skin should that relationship expand into iGaming.
While Maine has not announced an iGaming launch date, industry observers generally expect the market to go live in late 2026 or during 2027.
Caesars Expands Existing Tribal Relationship
The expanded agreement builds on Caesars Sportsbook’s launch in Maine in 2023, when the company partnered with the same three tribes following the legalization of online sports betting.
Caesars said it will invest in workforce development by employing and training members of each nation while providing financial support for tribal community programs.
The planned online casino platforms will also integrate with Caesars Sportsbook through the company’s Universal Digital Wallet and Caesars Rewards loyalty program.
As we look ahead to the launch of online casino gaming in Maine, we’re proud to expand our partnership with the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, the Mi’kmaq Nation and the Penobscot Nation,” said Eric Hession, President of Caesars Digital.
Together, we’ve built a strong and responsible sports wagering experience, and this next phase reinforces our commitment to our tribal partners and to delivering a differentiated, localized digital gaming experience for Mainers.”
Chief Kirk Francis of the Penobscot Nation said the expanded partnership builds on the relationship established through sports betting and represents “a meaningful opportunity” for the Wabanaki Nations.
Online Casino Law Faces Court Challenge
Supporters of the tribal-controlled iGaming market argue the measure would create new long-term revenue streams for the tribes while maintaining a tightly regulated market.
However, the law has drawn opposition from existing retail and online casino interests.
Several major online gaming operators, including FanDuel, BetMGM, and Fanatics, opposed the legislation during committee hearings, arguing that the exclusive tribal model would prevent them from entering the Maine market.
Maine’s retail casino industry has also opposed iGaming. Earlier this year, Churchill Downs, operator of Oxford Casino, filed a lawsuit to block the legislation.
The company argued that granting the tribes exclusive online casino rights violates constitutional protections by creating a monopoly. The complaint asks the court to prevent the law from taking effect before internet casino gaming launches.
The four Wabanaki tribes were permitted to intervene in the lawsuit in April and are now defending the law alongside the state. The parties have since filed competing dispositive motions, with reply briefs due June 26, before the court considers whether to resolve the case without a trial.
Despite the pending litigation, Caesars’ announcement marks another step toward the eventual launch of Maine’s online casino market.
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