Online Gaming Legislation in Arkansas and Maine Dead for 2025

Efforts to authorize online casino gaming in Arkansas and Maine have failed to pass in the 2025 legislative sessions. Proposed bills in both states ran into opposition over regulatory design and concerns about problem gambling.

With political and fiscal priorities competing elsewhere, lawmakers chose to table these measures rather than risk controversy. Backers argue that legalization could add millions in state revenue and capture a share of consumers currently gambling offshore.

Given increasing pressure from neighboring states embracing iGaming, advocates plan to rework proposals and reintroduce them in 2026. They believe economic modeling and stronger regulatory frameworks will be key to gaining future support.

Meanwhile, unlicensed platforms continue to attract local players, raising concerns among regulators about the lack of oversight, consumer protections, and lost tax revenue in both states.