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Bill > LD1838
ME LD1838
ME LD1838An Act to Provide Opportunities and Sustainable Revenue for Maine Farms, Agricultural Fairs, Wabanaki Tribes and Veterans' Homes
summary
Introduced
04/30/2025
04/30/2025
In Committee
04/30/2025
04/30/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
06/13/2025
06/13/2025
Introduced Session
132nd Legislature
Bill Summary
This bill authorizes the licensed operation of electronic wagering terminals to place wagers on historical horse races, purchase virtual sealed tickets and to conduct electronic beano by federally recognized Indian tribes, certain off-track betting facilities and commercial tracks and organizations eligible to conduct certain games of chance. Licenses are issued by the director of the Gambling Control Unit within the Department of Public Safety. The bill also requires distributors of electronic wagering terminals to be licensed with the Gambling Control Unit. The bill establishes limits on the number and location of terminals based upon the type of licensee. The bill requires an operator of an electronic wagering terminal to collect 25% of net terminal income for distribution among the General Fund for administrative expenses of the Gambling Control Unit; gambling addiction prevention and treatment services; the Maine Milk Pool until January 1, 2035 and, on or after January 1, 2035, to the Agricultural Development Fund; agricultural fairs; funds dedicated to supporting and promoting harness racing; career and technical education; the Maine Veterans' Homes Stabilization Fund; and municipalities in which terminals are located.
AI Summary
This bill establishes a comprehensive framework for the licensed operation of electronic wagering terminals in Maine, allowing federally recognized Indian tribes, commercial tracks, certain charitable organizations, and off-track betting facilities to operate these terminals under specific conditions. The bill creates detailed regulations for electronic wagering terminals, which can be used for historical horse race betting, electronic beano games, and virtual sealed ticket purchases, with strict age restrictions (21 and older) and licensing requirements. The Gambling Control Unit within the Department of Public Safety will oversee licensing, with each licensee permitted a specific number of terminals based on their type (e.g., commercial tracks can have up to 100 terminals, charitable organizations up to 4). Importantly, the bill mandates that 25% of net terminal income be distributed across various state funds, including the General Fund, Gambling Addiction Prevention and Treatment Fund, Agricultural Fair Support Fund, Harness Racing Purses Fund, Maine Milk Pool, Maine Veterans' Homes Stabilization Fund, and career and technical education, with 1% returned to the municipality where terminals are located. The legislation also establishes rigorous requirements for terminal distributors, including licensing, record-keeping, and reporting obligations, with potential penalties for non-compliance, and includes provisions for responsible gambling and comprehensive regulatory oversight.
Committee Categories
Military Affairs and Security
Sponsors (7)
Brad Farrin (R)*,
Jill Duson (D),
Kenneth Fredette (R),
Craig Hickman (D),
Marianne Moore (R),
Wayne Parry (R),
David Rollins (D),
Last Action
Accepted Majority (ONTP) Report, Jun 13, 2025 (on 06/13/2025)
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=1838&snum=132 |
| BillText | https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/getPDF.asp?paper=SP0721&item=1&snum=132 |
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