Tribal representatives and advocates urged lawmakers on Wednesday to support a slate of bills that they say will help foster economic development by allowing them to expand their gambling operations to include casinos and by creating an office of tribal relations in state government.
The bills are part of an ongoing effort in recent years to restore the sovereignty of the four federally recognized tribes in Maine. Sweeping efforts to restore that sovereignty have generated bipartisan support in the Legislature, but have been blocked by Gov. Janet Mills, who prefers targeted changes.
The three bills, which include proposals to expand the tribes’ exclusive rights to online sports betting to all forms of internet gambling, to allow them to operate electronic Beano and historical horse racing terminals, and to allow them to open casinos, are opposed by the state’s two licensed casinos.
