In the northeast, New Hampshire and Rhode Island offer live sports betting. Connecticut recently legalized betting, and the industry is expected to launch by football season. Maine could be the next state in the region to legalize sports wagering, but this depends on Governor Janet Mills.
The Maine sports betting bill is on the desk of Governor Mills, who has already rejected sports wagering once in January of 2020. It’s believed that Mills will pass sports betting, but she will not have to make the final decision for an extended period.
The Sports Betting Legislative Process
Sports betting has been frequently discussed in Maine since the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act was deemed unconstitutional. In 2020, Mills rejected sports betting, but that bill was different than the one that landed on her desk last Friday.
The Maine legislature had a special legislative session for sports betting last week. It ended with the House and Senate finding common ground for sports wagering.
LD 1352, the state’s bill, was amended throughout the week. The final discussions began on Thursday, and they concluded just after midnight on Friday. LD 1352 started the day in the Senate before transitioning to the House.
The House did not accept the standing bill, so changes were made, and it was sent back to the Senate. The chamber passed it via an oral vote on Friday morning, which added Governor Mills to the equation.
LD 1352 was sponsored by Louis Luchini, who tried to kill his bill after it was amended towards the end of the week. The amendment tethered sports betting to existing gambling facilities in the state. Luchini wanted providers to be able to seek licensure on their own, which is why he tried to stop his bill.
He gave his reasoning for his opposition to tethering during the special session. He said, “Tethering is being driven by the casino industry. It’s bad for our constituency. It’s anti-competitive. It makes the casinos the gatekeepers of who will be able to operate in Maine.”
Governor Mills’ Options
Governor Mills can either sign or veto LD 1352. However, she does not have to align with a firm timeline during the legislative process. When the legislature is in session, she has ten days to respond to the bill.
Yet, the legislature adjourned for the year, and LD 1352 was passed during the special legislative session. If the legislature does not return for the year, she can forget about the bill. If lawmakers return for another legislative session, she must acknowledge LD 1352 within four days.
The next special session has not been scheduled. Although, the Maine legislature is expected to reconvene to discuss financial recovery strategies from the COVID-19 pandemic. If this occurs, Mills must sign or veto LD 1352. If you want to check out something alternative, take a look at the BParlay.com Sports odds calculator. This is a free to use resource for all of our readers.
The amended bill passed in the Senate by a 23-12 margin on Thursday. There is support for sports wagering, but it’s not unanimous because of the tethering topic. It’s important to note that the bill Mills vetoed in 2020 did not include tethering.
Details of LD 1352
LD 1352 is a vast gaming bill that will allow for widespread mobile sports betting. Retail wagering will also be allowed at the state’s casinos, off-track betting parlors, tribal facilities, and the sole racetrack in the state.
These venues would be eligible to seek licensure for mobile skins. However, there will only be three mobile betting providers allowed in the state.
The licensing fee went from $20,000 to $100,000, and it must be renewed every two years. Operators will be taxed at 10% for brick-and-mortar properties and 15% for online revenue. College betting is permitted under LD 1352, but no bets will be allowed on Maine colleges.
