Caesars Entertainment announced Wednesday that it is preparing for online casino operation in Maine after expanding its agreement with three of the Wabanaki Nations. Through their tribal partners, Caesars will bring three online casino brands to the state: Caesars Palace Online Casino, Caesars Sportsbook and Casino, and Horseshoe Online Casino. Caesars Sportsbook has been live in Maine since 2023.

The casino company will partner with the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, the Mi’kmaq Nation, and the Penobscot Nation to offer iCasino later this year, pending regulatory approvals.

According to the Caesars press release, the company will “invest in local workforce development,” through jobs, training, and professional development.

“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,” said Eric Hession, president of Caesars Digital, via press release.

New and existing Maine customers will be able to use the Caesars digital wallet, meaning they can use their funds across any of the Caesars platforms.

Maine eighth state to legalize

In January, Maine became the eighth state to legalize online casino when Gov. Janet Mills allowed LD 1164 to become law, despite objections from the Maine Gambling Control Unit. Mills said she did not veto the law after conversations with tribal leaders, who “each spoke passionately about the importance of this bill in offering life-changing revenue for tribal communities.”

Under the new law, each tribe can have one online partner, and licenses will cost $50,000. Per state law, the tribes should be able to offer online casino as early as 90 days after the adjournment of the legislative session, which was April 29. Ninety days would put launch on or around July 28.