DraftKings and Passamaquoddy Tribe to Launch Online Sportsbook in Maine
DraftKings has announced an agreement in principle to partner with the Passamaquoddy tribe and launch an online sportsbook in Maine, pending licensing and regulatory approvals. If approved, DraftKings and the Passamaquoddy tribe will join forces to launch a sports betting app for players aged 21 and over in the state of Maine.
The app will offer a wide range of wagering options across various sports leagues and competitions. This partnership would mark the 25th US state in which DraftKings offers sports wagering. DraftKings co-founder and CEO Jason Robins expressed excitement about the opportunity, stating, “Building a relationship with the Passamaquoddy tribe is a fantastic opportunity for DraftKings as we look to bring customers in the state of Maine safe and legal sports betting.”
Tribal chief William Nicholas also expressed enthusiasm about the agreement, saying, “The Passamaquoddy tribe is excited to enter into a mobile sports wagering agreement with DraftKings.”
The partnership is made possible through a bill signed by Maine governor Janet Mills in May 2022, which allows both retail and online sports betting in the state. However, internet sports wagering can only be operated by Maine’s approved tribes, providing an opportunity for the previously excluded Native American tribes in Maine to participate in the gambling industry.
Each tribe can apply for a license to operate online sports betting and partner with one online operator. DraftKings’ partnership with the Passamaquoddy tribe satisfies the tribal rules set out in the bill. The license fee for mobile sports betting is $200,000, to be paid every four years.
In addition to online betting, combined racetracks and off-track betting facilities in Maine can apply for land-based licenses for retail wagering, priced at $4,000 every four years.
The bill also ensures that if mobile gaming is ever made legal in the state, the four tribes must be provided the same access to the market as commercial operators, promoting fairness and equality in the gambling industry.