Caesars Expands Maine Tribal Partnerships to Include Planned iGaming Launch

• Caesars is partnering with three Maine Native American tribes in anticipation of iGaming going live there later this year
• The company will bring its Caesars Palace Online Casino, Caesars Sportsbook & Casino and Horseshoe Online Casino brands to the state

Caesars Entertainment announced Wednesday (June 24) it has expanded its partnership with three Wabanaki Nations in Maine to include online casino gaming, ahead of the state’s anticipated iGaming rollout later this year.

The casino operator said it has a “long-term agreement” with three Wabanaki Nations: the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, the Mi’kmaq Nation and the Penobscot Nation. Financial terms of the accord weren’t disclosed.

Under the expanded agreement, Caesars plans to bring a portfolio of three online casino brands to Maine: Caesars Palace Online Casino, Caesars Sportsbook & Casino and Horseshoe Online Casino. Each brand offers a distinct digital experience tailored to different player interests,” according to a statement issued by Caesars.

In January, Maine surprisingly approved iGaming, becoming the eighth state to do so. The northernmost state in New England joins Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and West Virginia in allowing internet casinos.

Why Caesars Is Working with Maine Tribes

The legislation that paved the way for iGaming to be legal in Maine gave exclusive rights over that form of wagering to the state’s four federally recognized tribes — the three with which Caesars is partnering and the Passamaquoddy.

As a result, commercial operators, such as Caesars, that want to participate in Maine’s iGaming industry must do so by teaming up with one of the four tribes. Caesars is already familiar to Maine bettors as it launched Caesars Sportsbook there in 2023.

Conversely, some commercial gaming companies opposed the internet casino bill on the grounds that online casinos pose a threat to their land-based gaming venues in Maine.

Maine iGaming Space Taking Shape

Some analysts have speculated that it’s nearly a sure thing that three of Maine’s iGaming licenses will be controlled by Caesars, DraftKings and Flutter Entertainment’s FanDuel.  Obviously, Caesars is already confirming as much.

The rumor mill suggests that a fourth Maine iGaming permit could be won by BetMGM, Fanatics, Penn Entertainment, or a yet-to-be-determined bidder. Penn operates a brick-and-mortar casino in Maine.

Specific to Caesars, it’s bringing a single wallet iGaming experience to Maine while leveraging its famous Caesars Rewards loyalty program.

“The platforms in Maine will integrate with Caesars Sportsbook and feature a single login and wallet experience, powered by Caesars’ Universal Digital Wallet, enabling seamless play across Caesars’ digital offerings,” according to the press release.

“Integrated with Caesars Rewards, the company’s industry-leading loyalty program, eligible play will unlock Reward Credits that can be redeemed for unforgettable experiences across Caesars’ destinations nationwide, including stays, dining, entertainment and more,” it concludes.