Maine RG advocacy group releases statement against iGaming legalisation

The National Association Against iGaming (NAAiG) has released a statement in opposition to Governor Janet Mills‘ decision to permit the Maine iGaming bill to become law.

According to the group, this action highlights the Governor’s rethink of her original stance against online casino gambling.

NAAiG argues that Governor Mills’ decision “disregards overwhelming public opposition, expert warnings from her own regulators, and a proven gaming framework that has delivered meaningful benefits to Maine communities and tribal nations for more than a decade.”

The group points out that Maine’s two licensed casinos have, over the last fifteen years, brought in over half a billion dollars in state tax revenue. This money has gone towards funding education, public safety initiatives, community programs, local aid, and allocations to tribal governments.

The Maine Gambling Control Board had urged a veto, warning that the bill could undermine existing casinos, put jobs at risk, and destabilise a system that has consistently funded public priorities.

The association claims that tribal nations already benefit from the current casino tax structure and that its opposition is focused on maintaining a model that has worked for Maine workers, Maine communities, and tribal governments alike.

The opinion also highlights the worries of public health experts about the rising chances of addiction due to more online gambling activities.

It also refers to recent public polls revealing that online casino gambling is generally disfavored by Maine voters, even those who are in favour of the tribes, with survey data commissioned by the group showing that 64% of probable voters are against the legalisation of iGaming.