Maine Legalizes Online Poker: 9th US State to Join - SOMUCHPOKER
Good news for USA poker players! Maine has officially become the ninth state to give the green light to legal online poker.
The new law, known as LD 1164, passed at midnight on Saturday, January 10, 2026. While Governor Janet Mills didn’t officially sign the bill, she didn’t veto it either – meaning it automatically became law after the 10-day review period. This is a huge win for local players who have been waiting for a safe, regulated way to play from home – that’s what legalization will finally bring to them.
Power to the Wabanaki Nations
The most notable aspect of the state’s new law is its structure. The state’s four federally recognized tribes – the Wabanaki Nations – have been given the exclusive rights to run online poker and casino games.
Here is how the system will work:
- One Partner Per Tribe: Each of the four tribes may partner with one major poker platform (e.g., BetMGM or WSOP).
- Giving Back: The state will take a 10% tax on the revenue. These funds will support tribal communities, emergency medical services, and gambling addiction programs.
The “Poker Island” Challenge
While everyone is excited, there is one little catch. Right now, the state is what we call a “poker island.” Because the state has about 1.4 million people, the player pool might be small if they play only against others in Maine. To get those massive prize pools we all love, the state will likely need to join the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA). This would allow the players to compete against people in states like New Jersey, Michigan, and Nevada.
When Can We Play?
Don’t grab your laptop just yet! The Maine Gambling Control Unit still needs to draft the official rules and issue the licenses. Experts think we might see the first legal hands dealt in late 2026 or early 2027.
Even though there’s a bit of a wait, the path is clear: Maine is officially part of the legal poker family!
