iGaming Legalization Fails in AR and ME in 2025
Key Takeaways
Legislative efforts to legalize online casino gaming (iGaming) in the U.S. states of Arkansas and Maine have failed in 2025. As a result, iGaming remains limited to just seven states. In both cases, lawmakers decided against expanding gambling to the internet. Reasons included economic concerns and political opposition. Similar initiatives are also stagnating in other states.
iGaming Remains Limited to Seven U.S. States
The term iGaming refers to online casino offerings such as virtual slot machines and interactive table games. Currently, this form of gambling is only legal in seven U.S. states: Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and West Virginia.
In 2025, several other states attempted to legalize iGaming. The initiatives in Arkansas and Maine were considered particularly promising but have now been abandoned.
Arkansas: Bill Withdrawn
In Arkansas, a bill was introduced that would have allowed the three licensed land-based casinos – Saracen, Oaklawn, and Southland – to partner with online platforms such as DraftKings or FanDuel. The goal was to permit online casino games for individuals aged 21 and over.
One argument in favour of legalization was the potential funding of college programs related to “Name, Image, Likeness” (NIL), which allow college athletes to be compensated for their media presence. However, lawmakers opted instead to conduct a more in-depth study of the impacts of online gambling. As a result, Representative Matt Duffield withdrew the bill. This means iGaming is off the table in Arkansas for 2025.
Maine: Tribal Monopoly Fails Due to Opposition
In Maine, iGaming legalization was also under discussion. The plan was to grant the state’s four federally recognized Indigenous tribes a monopoly on online casino games – similar to their preferred position in the online sports betting market.
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However, operators of the state’s two commercial casinos – Hollywood Bangor and Oxford – strongly opposed the plan, fearing competitive disadvantages. The legislative proposals were subsequently postponed for further review, making implementation in 2025 unlikely.
No Progress in Other States Either
In addition to Arkansas and Maine, iGaming initiatives were also discussed in other states, including Hawaii, Indiana, Maryland, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Virginia, and Wyoming. Active bills still exist in Indiana, Maryland, and Ohio, but no concrete progress has been made so far.
Analysts had already predicted at the beginning of the year that no additional state would legalize iGaming in 2025. That prediction appears to be coming true.
Resistance to iGaming Remains Strong
Although iGaming can generate significantly higher tax revenues compared to sports betting, strong reservations persist. Critics point to potential negative impacts on land-based casinos and an increased risk of problem gambling.
The political hesitation shows that the expansion of online gambling in the U.S. remains a sensitive issue – despite its economic potential.
Our Assessment
The developments in Arkansas and Maine highlight how difficult it is to pass new iGaming legislation in the U.S. Despite potential tax benefits and growing demand, resistance remains strong – both from political circles and established casino operators. For you as a player, this means that the availability of legal online casinos in the U.S. will remain limited for now. Those living in one of the seven legal states can continue to play online legally. In other regions, patience will be required.
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