The expansion of online gaming in Maine under the control of tribal authorities within the state is facing a federal court challenge brought by the proprietors of the Oxford Casino Hotel in Oxford. The lawsuit argues that the state violated the United States and Maine constitutions when it approved a law that gives tribal authorities within the state the exclusive right to offer iGaming platforms to residents and visitors.

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Oxford Casino Hotel says iGaming law amounts to discrimination

According to Reuben M. Schafir and Morgan Womack of the Portland Press Herald, the federal complaint from the Oxford Casino Hotel argues that the new law contains a “race-based preference” that violates the Equal Protection Clause of both constitutions. The Oxford Casino Hotel is one of two land-based facilities in Maine offering casino-style games to bettors.

The new law represents an expansion of the current system that allows for online sports wagering in Maine under tribal auspices. Under the statute’s tenets, tribal bodies could build relationships with some of the best online casino operators in the US.

There is no official timeline for when licensed platforms with online casino games for real money could launch in Maine. If this lawsuit finds some success, it could prevent that implementation or delay it.

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Lawsuit could derail iGaming rollout out in Maine

The Oxford Casino Hotel’s lawsuit asks the court to overturn the statute currently enabling regulators in Maine to move forward in drafting rules for the gaming vertical. A court order to that effect could stymie the development of stipulations for casino bonus codes in Maine, even if just temporarily.

The Maine Gambling Control Unit must finalize regulations before apps can be licensed, and licensure is necessary for Maine residents to be able to play the best slots to play online for real money in the state legally. This litigation could also delay agreements between iGaming operators and tribal authorities.

Tribal bodies currently have agreements for legal online sports wagering with Caesars and DraftKings. It isn’t a foregone conclusion, though, that people in Maine will get access to deals like the Caesars Palace Online Casino promo code. They may also be able to play at Visa casinos depending on the final rules drafted.

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An uncertain future for the current framework for legal iGaming in Maine might make operators hesitant to negotiate deals. Everyone involved in gaming in Maine will be watching this lawsuit as it moves forward.

Ready for some new bites for the new year?

January 2026 saw a handful of restaurants open their doors for the first time, marking a positive light of deliciousness in the darkness that is the biting cold winters of Maine.

Nothing a little food and drink can’t fix, right?

Maine Restaurants That Opened in January 2026

Several of the debut Maine restaurants in January have taken over the locations of former eateries.

In Brunswick, Baked on Maine has moved into the former Great Impasta location, which relocated right on down the road and opened at 11 Pleasant Street in March 2025.

That left 42 Maine Street wide open, and now, this new spot has moved in, serving fresh bakery items and tasty breakfast and lunch options.

Over in Westbrook, Bombay Bistro took over the former Frog & Turtle location at 3 Vallee Square.

After nearly 20 years, the well-known gastropub would close its doors and the location would remain empty for almost a year.

Now, the Indian restaurant Bombay Bistro has opened with a splash of green and is delivering authentic, flavorful cuisine.

Let’s take a look at some of the places that opened in the first month of 2026.

READ MORE: Maine Restaurant Serving the World’s Largest Lobster Roll Sets Opening Date for Its 48th Season

Have you had a chance to check any of these places out? Any you really want to try?

It’s fantastic to see new restaurant options and places locals can support. Bet there’s going to be a lot of satisfied stomachs coming up, and hopefully for many more years to come.