Caesars Wins Three of Maine’s Four Authorized iGaming Skins

Caesars Entertainment has reached agreements with the Penobscot Nation, the Mi’kmaq Nation and the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians to operate three of Maine’s four authorized online casino skins. The platforms are subject to state regulatory approval.

If regulators approve the deals, Caesars plans to launch Caesars Palace Online Casino, Caesars Sportsbook & Casino and Horseshoe Online Casino in Maine. The company says the platforms will integrate with its Universal Digital Wallet and Caesars Rewards loyalty program.

The agreements extend Caesars’ existing sports betting partnerships with the three tribes, which began when Caesars Sportsbook launched in Maine in 2023. Maine’s online casino law, enacted in January, allows each of the state’s four federally recognized Wabanaki Nations to partner with one commercial operator to offer internet casino gaming.

Caesars committed to hiring and training members of each nation and to providing financial support for tribal community programs.

Eric Hession, president of Caesars Digital, commented that the company is proud to expand its relationship with the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, the Mi’kmaq Nation and the Penobscot Nation and to deliver a localized digital gaming experience for Mainers.

Chief Kirk Francis of the Penobscot Nation described the agreement as building on the sports wagering partnership and called it ‘a meaningful opportunity’ for the Wabanaki Nations.

The agreements come while a legal challenge to Maine’s tribal-led iGaming model proceeds in court. Churchill Downs, operator of Oxford Casino, filed a suit earlier this year seeking to block the law, arguing the exclusive rights granted to tribes amount to an unconstitutional monopoly. The four Wabanaki tribes were permitted to intervene in April and are defending the statute alongside the state. The parties exchanged dispositive motions, with reply briefs due June 26 as the court considers whether to resolve the case without a trial.

Only the Passamaquoddy Tribe has not announced an online casino partner. The tribe currently works with DraftKings for online sports betting, making DraftKings the likely candidate for the remaining online casino skin if that relationship expands.

Industry observers expect Maine’s iGaming market to launch in late 2026 or during 2027, though no official launch date has been set. Final state regulatory approvals and the outcome of the pending litigation will determine whether Caesars’ planned platforms can go live.