4 federally acknowledged tribes in Maine are stepping immediately right into a federal lawsuit over the state’s new online gambling law, transferring to defend a system that offers them unique entry to the on line casino market.
In a filing dated April 1, 2026, the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, Mi’kmaq Nation, Passamaquoddy Tribe, and Penobscot Nation, collectively generally known as the Wabanaki Nations, requested the U.S. District Court docket for the District of Maine to allow them to be a part of the case as defendants. Within the movement, the tribes say they “transfer to intervene on this case as social gathering defendants” below federal procedural guidelines.
Their request provides a brand new layer to an already intently watched authorized combat that started earlier this yr when Oxford On line casino Resort, its father or mother BB Improvement, LLC, and Churchill Downs Included sued to block the law.
Maine tribes transfer to defend on line casino regulation tied to financial self-determination
The measure took impact on January 11, 2026, after Governor Janet Mills allowed it to become law without her signature. The laws opens the door to iGaming in Maine however limits licenses to the 4 federally acknowledged Wabanaki Nations. Underneath the statute, “[t]o be eligible to obtain an Web gaming license, an applicant have to be a federally acknowledged Indian nation, tribe or band on this State.”
The tribes argue the lawsuit threatens a key supply of future income and self-governance. Their submitting says the case “considerations a constitutional assault on a Maine statute that establishes regulatory parameters pursuant to which the 4 Wabanaki Nations might search to acquire licenses to supply web playing.”
They describe themselves because the “direct and meant beneficiaries” of the regulation and say the result will immediately have an effect on their potential to fund important providers. In line with the movement, income from on-line gaming would assist “core governmental capabilities and providers for Wabanaki residents and households, similar to housing, training, public security, and healthcare.”
The submitting additionally frames the regulation as a part of a push for sovereignty, saying it advances “their sovereignty and self-determination via financial growth.” If the statute is struck down, the tribes warn it might “foreclose the technology of tribal revenues wanted to assist core tribal governmental providers.”
They additional argue the state “doesn’t share the Nations’ distinctive sovereign and financial pursuits” within the end result.
The unique lawsuit from on line casino operators claims the regulation creates an unconstitutional monopoly and violates equal safety by excluding non-tribal companies. The businesses say they might enter the web market if allowed and warn the system may divert clients from current casinos, reducing income and jobs.
Supporters of the regulation, together with tribal leaders and allies, have pointed to earlier proposals and coverage efforts aimed toward giving the Wabanaki Nations a stronger financial footing in Maine, particularly in industries like cellular gaming the place they’ve traditionally been excluded.
The tribes famous they coordinated their submitting with the present events. In line with the movement, “Defendant Champion (the ‘State’) takes no place on this movement,” whereas the plaintiffs don’t oppose the intervention below agreed circumstances.
If the courtroom approves the request, the tribes will formally be a part of the case as defendants.
Featured picture: Wabanaki Alliance logo
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