Churchill Downs has filed a lawsuit challenging Maine’s plan to reserve online casino licences for federally recognised tribes. The company argues that the licensing model is unconstitutional; the case could delay or change the planned market, while the court’s decision remains pending.
The lawsuit puts the structure and timing of Maine’s planned online casino market at issue for prospective operators and partners.
Quarter ended 30 September 2026
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Caesars Entertainment expanded its agreement with the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, the Mi’kmaq Nation and the Penobscot Nation in Maine, the company said. The agreement supports a possible launch later this year, subject to regulatory approval, with Caesars planning three online casino brands. Caesars also committed to workforce development and financial support for tribal community programmes.
Caesars said it will offer online casinos in Maine with the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, the Mi’kmaq Nation and the Penobscot Nation. The long-term agreements give Caesars control of three of the state’s four available online casino licences, and it plans to launch the Caesars, Caesars Palace and Horseshoe brands. Maine’s law takes effect in late July, while the Passamaquoddy Tribe has not announced a partner for the remaining licence.
Rush Street Interactive said it sees Maine as a potential online casino market and would consider partnering with a tribe. Maine’s model allows each of its four federally recognised Wabanaki tribes to partner with one commercial operator; the state’s online casino launch is planned under that framework.
Oxford Casino, owned by Churchill Downs, sued Maine over LD 1164, which reserves online casino operation to the state’s four federally recognised tribes. The casino alleges the law violates constitutional protections and seeks to block its implementation; the case remains ongoing, with no final decision reported.
Representatives from 20 Oklahoma tribal nations raised concerns about prediction markets’ reach and their implications for tribal gaming authority. Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association chairman Matthew Morgan argued that the platforms’ products resemble gambling, while the industry maintains that they fall under Commodity Futures Trading Commission oversight rather than state gaming regulators.