Campaign for Fairer Gambling criticizes Maine governor over online casino approval
The Campaign For Fairer Gambling (CFG) has issued a statement after Governor Janet Mills of Maine has reversed her intent to veto a bill to legalize online slots and casino games.
While online sports betting is legal in Maine, online gambling has largely been illegal in the state. However, Gov Janet Mills has now allowed for the passage of the online casino bill LD1164.
iGaming is coming to Maine. That's according to a statement released by Gov. Janet Mills earlier today.
Based on the statement's wording, it appears she's letting it become law without her signature. pic.twitter.com/0GKMFjUlTC
— Steve Bittenbender (@Stepbitt) January 8, 2026
In its statement, the CFG says: “The proponents of legalization make false representations that it will replace illegal gambling. It does not – it normalizes the activity, growing the total market, the total consumption, the total harm, and the illegal sector.
“Besides, the Mills Administration has done little to attempt to combat illegal online gambling.”
They continue to suggest that slot games on mobile devices are the most addictive form of gambling, as they say these target anybody, anywhere, anytime, in any condition. The statement from the Campaign for Fairer Gambling also says that each harmed gambler, on average, impacts several others in their personal circle.
NAAiG also issues statement, saying they are disappointed in Gov Mills iGaming reversal
They say this can cause significant familial and community destruction, with the socio-economic costs of gambling harm falling on state services and budgets.
Campaign for Fairer Gambling founder Derek Webb said: “I thought that we had reached the point where there was a consensus that the US expansion of online gambling has been a disaster. Janet Mills has proven that as Governor she has failed to protect the people of Maine with integrity.”
Governor Janet Mills’ decision to reverse her long-standing opposition to online casino gambling and allow the #iGambling bill on her desk to become law represents a clear break from the Governor’s previously stated position and disregards overwhelming public opposition, expert… pic.twitter.com/U64fuCLspp
— NAAIG_Official (@NAAIG_Official) January 8, 2026
The group isn’t the only to speak out on the reversal, as the National Association Against iGaming (NAAiG) has also issued a statement as they say they are “deeply disappointed.”
The association says: “This decision represents a clear break from the Governor’s previously stated position and disregards overwhelming public opposition, expert warnings from her own regulators, and a proven gaming framework that has delivered meaningful benefits to Maine communities and tribal nations for more than a decade.”
Further into the statement, they say they will not accept the decision quietly and will ensure the people of Maine have the final say.
Featured Image: Credit to Quinti Soloviev on Wikimedia Commons, CC 4.0 license
The post Campaign for Fairer Gambling criticizes Maine governor over online casino approval appeared first on ReadWrite.