Caesars Secures Three of Maine's Four Tribal iGaming Partnerships Ahead of Online Casino Launch

The agreement covers the Penobscot Nation, Mi'kmaq Nation, and the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, extending Caesars' existing sports betting partnerships with the tribes into the online casino sector.

Caesars Entertainment has strengthened its position in Maine's emerging online casino market after expanding its partnership with three of the state's four federally recognised Wabanaki Nations, effectively securing three of the four iGaming licences available under the state's newly approved tribal gaming framework.

Subject to regulatory approval, Caesars intends to launch Caesars Palace Online Casino, Caesars Sportsbook & Casino, and Horseshoe Online Casino when Maine's regulated iGaming market opens.

Under legislation approved earlier this year, each of Maine's four federally recognised tribes is permitted to partner with a single commercial operator to offer online casino gaming.

With three partnerships now confirmed, only the Passamaquoddy Tribe has yet to announce its iGaming partner. The tribe already works with DraftKings for online sports betting, making the operator the leading contender to secure the state's remaining online casino licence should the relationship expand into iGaming.

Although regulators have yet to confirm an official launch date, industry expectations remain that Maine's online casino market will open in late 2026 or during 2027.

Caesars Builds on Existing Tribal Partnerships

The latest agreement builds on Caesars Sportsbook's successful entry into Maine in 2023, when the operator partnered with the same three Wabanaki Nations following the legalisation of online sports betting.

Beyond expanding its digital gaming footprint, Caesars said the partnership will create employment and training opportunities for tribal members while providing continued financial support for community programmes across each nation.

Players will also benefit from a connected ecosystem, with the planned online casino platforms integrating with Caesars Sportsbook through the company's Universal Digital Wallet and Caesars Rewards loyalty programme.

Eric Hession, President of Caesars Digital, said the expanded agreement marks the next chapter in the company's relationship with its tribal partners.

“As we look ahead to the launch of online casino gaming in Maine, we’re proud to expand our partnership with the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, the Mi’kmaq Nation and the Penobscot Nation,” said Eric Hession, President of Caesars Digital. “Together, we’ve built a strong and responsible sports wagering experience, and this next phase reinforces our commitment to our tribal partners and to delivering a differentiated, localized digital gaming experience for Mainers. We’re grateful to Gov. Janet Mills, the Maine Legislature and the Maine Gambling Control Unit for their continued leadership and thoughtful approach to gaming in the state.”

“Penobscot Nation is proud to continue and expand our partnership with Caesars as we look toward the future of online gaming in Maine,” said Chief Kirk Francis of the Penobscot Nation. “Our experience working together on sports wagering has demonstrated the value of aligning with a partner that respects our sovereignty, understands our communities and is committed to long-term success for the Wabanaki Nations. This next phase represents a meaningful opportunity to build on that foundation.”

“The Mi’kmaq Nation values the strong relationship we have built with Caesars and our fellow Wabanaki partners,” said Chief Sheila McCormack of the Mi’kmaq Nation. “Expanding into online casino gaming allows us to continue creating economic opportunities for our people while ensuring that any future platform is developed in a responsible, well-regulated manner that benefits the tribes and the state.”

“The Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians is pleased to deepen our partnership with Caesars as we prepare for the next chapter of gaming in Maine,” said Chief Clarissa Sabattis of the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians. “This long-term agreement reflects our shared commitment to strengthening Maine’s rural communities and is vital to the Houlton Band’s self-determination and economic self-sufficiency. Internet gaming revenues will provide our tribal government with a more secure, long-term source of revenue that will help us provide essential services and make critical investments in community infrastructure.”

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