A newly released Maine poll has revealed a clear and widespread voter resistance to the expansion of Online Casinos in the state. This has added more pressure to an already controversial legislative decision. According to the survey, 64% of Maine voters oppose online casino legalization, with nearly half of respondents saying that they are strongly opposed to allowing iGaming in the state.
The National Association commissioned the poll against iGaming, which Lake Research Partners, a well-known polling firm, conducted. The findings point to deep concerns among voters about the social and economic impact of online gambling.
Opposition cuts across demographic and political lines suggest that resistance to iGaming in Maine is not limited to a single voter group. The results come at a critical moment, as state leaders consider whether Maine should join a small group of U.S. jurisdictions that have already moved forward with online casino gambling. The full polling memo was released publicly and can be reviewed in detail through the National Association Against iGaming’s reference report.
The timing of the poll is significant, as it coincides with the legislative movement around LD 1164. It is a bill passed by Maine’s legislature that would fundamentally reshape Maine’s gambling law. If enacted, LD 1164 would legalise online casino gambling and grant exclusive iGaming rights to the state’s four Wabanaki Nations tribes.
Under the proposal, residents would be able to access online casino games through state-approved digital platforms. This includes:
Supporters of the bill argue that the measure would generate new revenue streams and strengthen tribal economic development through Wabanaki Nations iGaming. However, the poll suggests that public sentiment may not align with those arguments. The issue highlights a growing disconnect between policy momentum and voter attitudes, especially when it comes to expanding gambling into digital spaces that are accessible 24/7.
Besides the public’s opinion, regulatory and industry concerns have also played a major role in shaping the debate. The Maine Gambling Control Board has formally urged a veto of LD 1164, raising red flags about the structure of the proposed online market.
One of the board’s key concerns is that the bill excludes Maine’s existing commercial casinos from participating in online gambling. Regulators warn that this could lead to many disadvantages in the land-based casino sector, including:
Critics argue that limiting online casino access to tribal operators alone may reduce long-term state revenue, weaken consumer protections, and create confusion around enforcement responsibilities. These concerns add more complexity to Governor Janet Mills’ decision, as the administration weighs not only political optics but also regulatory sustainability.
Under Maine law, Governor Mills has a deadline of January 10, to either sign LD 1164 into law or issue a veto. With the clock ticking, the newly released Maine poll is likely to factor heavily into her final choice.
Historically, Governor Mills has taken a cautious approach to gambling expansion, particularly when public opinion is divided or negative. Given the strong opposition to online casinos reflected in the poll, and the formal objections raised by state regulators a veto remains a very real possibility.
Political observers note that signing the bill in the face of clear voter resistance could carry electoral and reputational risks. At the same time, vetoing LD 1164 would delay or potentially derail efforts to expand iGaming Maine, at least in the near term. The upcoming days are expected to involve intense lobbying from both supporters and opponents of the bill as the administration evaluates its options.
The outcome of Governor Mills’ decision could have several implications well beyond Maine. If LD 1164 were signed into law, Maine would become the eighth U.S. state to legalize online casino gambling. However, the poll results suggest that such an outcome is far from certain.
Nationally, the debate over Online Casinos continues to intensify, with many states grappling with questions around different sectors. This includes regulation, consumer harm, and market structure. The Maine case highlights that while legislatures may be open to expanding digital gambling, voters still remain skeptical.
Industry analysts point out that public resistance, like that shown in the Maine poll, could slow momentum for iGaming bills in other states considering similar legislation. Lawmakers elsewhere may look to Maine as a cautionary example of how public opinion can clash with policy goals.
Whether LD 1164 is signed or vetoed, the debate has already underscored the importance of voter trust and transparent regulation in shaping the future of online gambling in the United States.
Maine voters largely oppose online casino gambling, even as lawmakers consider a major expansion through LD 1164. With an opposition of 64%, strong regulatory warnings, and a deadline that is a few days away, Governor Janet Mills faces a consequential decision. As the deadline approaches, the intersection of public opinion, regulatory caution, and political leadership will determine whether online casino legalization moves forward.
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