Maine Voters Largely Oppose Legalizing Online Gambling, Survey Shows
Significant Opposition to Online Gambling Among Maine Voters
A recent survey reveals that a majority of residents in Maine are not in favor of legalizing online gambling, commonly known as iGaming. The poll, conducted by Lake Research Partners on behalf of the National Association Against iGaming (NAAiG), found that 64% of Maine voters oppose the legalization, with nearly half of them strongly against it.
Timing of the Survey Amid Ongoing iGaming Discussions
This survey coincides with ongoing debates in Maine regarding iGaming legislation. The Maine Gambling Control Board has recommended the state’s governor, Janet Mills, to reject a bill (LD 1164) that seeks to legalize iGaming activities for the state’s Wabanaki Nations. The board’s concerns focus on the possibility of creating a monopoly in iGaming and the potential job losses at established casinos like those in Oxford and Hollywood if they are excluded from online gambling opportunities.
If passed, LD 1164 would allow the four tribal nations in Maine to offer online casino games under a proposed tax rate of 16%, which is low compared to other active US markets.
Governor Mills has historically shown caution towards gambling expansions. She initially hesitated on sports betting legislation in 2020, though eventually signed it into law in 2022, and previously blocked a proposal in 2021 that would have expanded tribal casino ownership rights.
Jason Gumer, a board member of NAAiG and executive vice president and general counsel at Monarch Casino & Resort, emphasized that Maine would be an outlier in New England if it legalized iGaming. He noted that many other regional leaders are choosing not to advance iGaming legislation, citing concerns over the addictive nature of online gambling.
Survey Results Highlight Broad Political Disapproval
The poll was conducted between December 13 and 16, 2025, surveying 500 likely voters for Maine’s 2026 general election. It showed only 16% would support legalized online casinos in the state. Opposition was found across political affiliations, with 69% of Democrats, 58% of Republicans, and 70% of independents opposing iGaming.
When respondents were informed about the pros and cons of legalizing iGaming, opposition increased to nearly 60%. More than half of the voters indicated they would be less inclined to support lawmakers who vote to legalize online gambling after considering both sides.
The survey also shed light on voters’ primary concerns relating to iGaming. Chief among these were the industry’s inadequate measures to prevent underage access to online gambling platforms, followed closely by worries about a potential rise in addiction and problem gambling linked to the availability of iGaming.
