Initial Mobile Sports Betting bill approved in Maine
As online sports betting and gambling continue to sweep across the US in popularity, it appears that the latest state to reach an agreement in principle to allow mobile sports betting is Maine.
News of this comes as lawmakers gave their initial approval to allow mobile sports betting in the state. The bill outlines that The Penobscot, Passamaquoddy and Maliseet tribes would have complete control over each form of sports betting in Maine, with this causing a significant disagreement with the owners of the state’s two commercial land-based casinos.
The most northeastern state in the US, Maine, is more commonly known for its rocky coastlines and nature, though in recent months the demand for online gambling has increased, as illustrated by the 81-53 results in the House which voted in favor of this.
Senate decision expected soon
With the state senate due to vote on this decision, it is anticipated that this will yield a similar result which would give the tribes access to the increasingly lucrative mobile betting niche of the industry, with Hollywood Casino Bangor predicted to run in-person sports wagering, with Oxford Casino likely to do the same.
Following the proposal, House Democratic leader Michelle Dunphy, revealed that this was likely to improve economic performance in the state and also give the tribes more independence.
“The Penobscot, Passamaquoddy and Maliseet tribes would have complete control over all forms of mobile sports betting in the state.
She continued: “It will also, however, be another important step in a long journey over 500 years in the making. The journey of our communities transforming themselves from conquerors and occupiers among a proud people, to becoming neighbors.”
US sports betting market set to explode
With New York state recently passing mobile sports betting, when this launched in the state in February it eclipsed all expectations, generating over $1 billion in wagers in less than a month.
Since, it has continued to break records, while the likes of Michigan and Colorado have also shown that they have a strong demand for mobile sports betting.
Maine may not be the most populous state in the country, with just over 1.3 million, though this could certainly help to give the infrastructure a significant revenue boost.