AUGUSTA (WGME) – Maine's tribes are looking to expand their exclusive rights to online sports betting in the state.

Lawmakers held a public hearing Wednesday on three bills.

The tribes are looking to expand their rights to include all online gambling, casinos and electronic beano, as well as harness racing.

Opponents say it monopolizes the industry, while supporters say it helps Maine’s indigenous peoples to thrive.

"The revenues will allow the tribes in Maine to invest in businesses education, health care, infrastructure and a host of other areas that will benefit tribal citizens and their rural Maine neighbors," Rep. Laura Supica said.

"This would be the single largest expansion of gaming in the state's history, without a doubt, and with no vote of the people, so this is literally a casino on any iPhone, Android, MacBook, tablet and other such thing," Hollywood Casino and Raceway Attorney Chris Jackson said.

Governor Janet Mills has long been opposed to gambling in Maine but signed a bill in 2022 to give tribes exclusive rights to profiting from Maine's new online sports betting.

https://www.yogonet.com/international/news/2024/01/03/70258-maine-lawmakers-consider-expansion-of-tribal-rights-to-online-gambling-landbased-casinos