Fake Sweepstakes Sites on the Rise
While most people in Maine know that real-money online casinos remain illegal, operators are finding ways to disguise themselves.
One popular tactic has been posing as a sweepstakes platform, offering the option to win real money or digital currency. The sweepstakes industry remains unregulated across the US, making it easier for illegal platforms to operate. This has led many states to ban the industry altogether, despite its growing popularity.
Illegal Operators Fuel Rise in Problem Gambling
Maine hasn’t legalized online casino games, but it has opened up some forms of gambling. The state allows for regulated sports betting, daily fantasy sports, and advanced-deposit wagering for horse racing. This has led to an uptick in problem gambling for the market, which illegal online casinos are helping feed.
Many other markets have been taking legal action to push these operators out, but that hasn’t always been effective with online casinos. That has shifted the state’s focus on promoting awareness to save residents from making a costly mistake.
The MGCU has also reminded the public of its problem gambling resources, which can help bettors struggling with illegal online gambling.
Special Session to Review Casino Bill
The growth of illegal operators has given some momentum to a proposal for a regulated online casino market. Lawmakers previously tabled LD 1164, which would have created a regulated market run by the state’s tribes. However, the bill is now set to be reconsidered during a special session, which runs until June 18.
While it seems unlikely the bill will become law in 2025, it shows that some lawmakers believe a regulated market is the only way to protect bettors. This would give residents a chance to play games legally, but with platforms that are monitoring for signs of problem gambling. It would also provide a significant boost to the state’s tax revenue, enabling it to increase funding for responsible gaming resources.
