Caesars to launch 3 new iGaming brands in Maine

• Caesars has expanded its existing Wabanaki Nations deal to include online casino gaming in Maine, targeting a potential 2026 launch subject to regulatory approval.
• Three digital casino brands are planned for the state: Caesars Palace Online Casino, Caesars Sportsbook & Casino, and Horseshoe Online Casino.
• The agreement includes tribal workforce development commitments and integrates with Caesars’ Universal Digital Wallet and Caesars Rewards program.

Caesars Entertainment has expanded its partnership with three Wabanaki Nations in Maine to include online casino gaming, targeting a potential launch in 2026 pending regulatory approvals.

The new agreement covers the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, the Mi’kmaq Nation, and the Penobscot Nation. All three have operated as Caesars sports betting partners in the state since 2023.

Three-brand rollout

Under the deal, Caesars plans to deploy 3 distinct online casino brands in Maine: Caesars Palace Online Casino, Caesars Sportsbook & Casino, and Horseshoe Online Casino. Each is designed to serve a different player audience within the same regulatory framework.

The platforms will run on the company’s Universal Digital Wallet, enabling a single login and wallet across Caesars’ digital products. Play will generate Caesars Rewards credits, redeemable across the group’s hotel, dining, and entertainment portfolio nationwide.

Eric Hession, President of Caesars Digital, said:

“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.”

Caesars has also committed to employing, training, and developing members from all three nations. Revenue will be directed to tribal community programs and infrastructure.

Tribal foundations

The expansion builds on the three nations’ 2023 Caesars Sportsbook relationship, which established the operator’s initial presence in Maine. Maine’s iGaming law, LD 1164, takes effect July 29, after Governor Janet Mills allowed it to become law in January 2026. The legislation made Maine the eighth US state to authorize real-money online casino gaming.

Under LD 1164, each of Maine’s four federally recognized Wabanaki Nations holds one iGaming license and may partner with one commercial operator. The model mirrors the existing sports betting framework.

Chief Kirk Francis, Penobscot Nation, said:

“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.”

Chief Sheila McCormack, Mi’kmaq Nation, said:

“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.”

Chief Clarissa Sabattis, Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, said:

“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.”

Regulatory road ahead

Maine’s framework requires a rule-making period by the Maine Gambling Control Unit before any platform can go live. The expected product range covers slots, table games, and live dealer offerings.

An unresolved legal challenge adds uncertainty to the timeline. Oxford Casino Hotel, a Churchill Downs subsidiary, filed suit in January 2026 arguing that the exclusive tribal licensing structure constitutes an unlawful monopoly.

The Maine Gambling Control Unit had itself raised similar concerns before enactment, urging Governor Mills to veto the bill. The Wabanaki Nations have since filed for summary judgment in defense of the law. The court’s ruling will define the commercial timeline for all operators in the state.

For Caesars Digital, the Maine announcement reflects a continuing push into new US iGaming markets. The segment posted Adjusted EBITDA of $85 million in Q4 2025, up from $20 million in the same period a year earlier. Regulatory clearance would extend its casino footprint into the country’s newest licensed iGaming state.