Caesars Entertainment has expanded its sportsbook partnership with three Wabanaki Nations to launch online casino in Maine.
In the agreement with the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, the Mi’kmaq Nation and the Penobscot Nation, the Las Vegas-based operator will bring its three brands, Caesars Palace Online Casino, Horseshoe Online Casino and Caesars Sportsbook and Casino, to the state.
As part of deal, the operator will invest in local workforce development through employing, training and developing members of each nation, as well as providing financial support to fund tribal community programmes and initiatives.
The three Caesars casino brands will offer a “distinct digital experience” catered to different player interests, through slots, table games and live dealer offerings, the company said.
The platforms will also be integrated with Caesars Sportsbook, be integrated with Caesars Rewards, and have a single login and wallet, powered by Caesars’ Universal Digital Wallet.
Eric Hession, Caesars Digital president, said: “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.
“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, localised digital gaming experience for Mainers.
“We’re grateful to Governor Janet Mills, the Maine Legislature and the Maine Gambling Control Unit for their continued leadership and thoughtful approach to gaming in the state.”
Chief Kirk Francis of the Penobscot Nation added: “Our experience working together on sports wagering has demonstrated the value of aligning with a partner that respects our sovereignty, understands our communities and is committed to long-term success for the Wabanaki Nations.
“This next phase represents a meaningful opportunity to build on that foundation.”
Chief Sheila McCormack of the Mi’kmaq Nation noted that the expansion into icasino allows for the continued creation of “economic opportunities for our people”.
Chief Clarissa Sabattis of the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians added the long-term agreement “reflects our shared commitment to strengthening Maine’s rural communities and is vital to the Houlton Band’s self-determination and economic self-sufficiency”.
She added that revenue from igaming will provide the tribal government with a “more secure, long-term source of revenue”.
At the start of 2026, Governor Mills announced her intention to approve a bill, An Act to Create Economic Opportunity for the Wabanaki Nations, that would legalise online casino in Maine.
Home to around 1.4 million people, Maine will become the eighth US online casino state, pending regulatory approval, and will give the Wabanaki Nations exclusive rights to operate igaming.
Operators offering icasino in Maine face an 18% tax rate, with the state projecting $100m (£76m) in tax dollars in the first 10 years.
DraftKings and Caesars are currently live with online sports betting in Maine, with the latter launching the vertical in November 2023 when the state went live, in partnership with three of the Wabanaki nations.
DraftKings has yet to confirm if it will launch online casino with its own tribal partner, the Passamaquoddy Tribe.
The post Caesars to offer icasino in Maine through Wabanaki Nations partnership first appeared on EGR Intel.
Operator to roll out brands including Caesars Palace Online Casino and Horseshoe Online Casino, after the Pine Tree State became the eighth US jurisdiction to regulate the vertical
The post Caesars to offer icasino in Maine through Wabanaki Nations partnership first appeared on EGR Intel.