Maine may legalize more forms of online gambling under a bipartisan bill that would grant expanded gaming rights to federally recognized tribes in Maine.

The bill, sponsored by Rep. Ambreen Rana, D-Bangor, and Sen. Marianne Moore, R-Calais, would expand upon the tribes’ exclusive access to online sports betting.

However, Gov. Janet Mills previously said she would veto the bill.

Passamaquoddy Tribe at Motahkomikuk chief William Nicholas Sr. told the committee through a statement that Mainers were already gambling online. A legal and regulated route could provide tax revenue for the state.

“The lost business opportunity for a legal and state regulated entity is in the tens if not hundreds of millions of dollars per year,” he said. “Those revenues should be benefiting Mainers, not shadowy offshore companies or whoever runs the many apps that are currently available for illegal internet gaming.”

Tax Revenue for online gaming would stand at 18%. The Gambling Control Unit for administrative expenses would receive 2% and another 2% would head to the Gambling Addiction Prevention and Treatment Fund. 

Other amounts between 1% and 5% would be earmarked for the Maine Dairy Stabilization Fund, Opioid Use Disorder Prevention and Treatment Fund, Emergency Housing Relief Fund, Maine Veterans’ Homes Stabilization Fund, Fund for Health Maine, and School Revolving Renovation Fund.