If you were banking on joining online poker tables legally in Maine anytime soon, we've got a bit of a bummer to share. This past Tuesday, attempts to legalize online gaming in Maine hit a wall, with the state house voting down the bill 74-71. It was a close call, missing by just three votes!

The proposed legislation aimed to introduce online casinos managed by the state’s Wabanaki tribes, who already run sports betting in Maine. Though the bill didn't name poker outright, the inclusion of "games of skill" in the definition could have opened the door for us poker enthusiasts to play legally online within state borders.

Here's a quick breakdown of the bill's language: "‘Internet gaming’ means a game of skill or chance offered through the Internet in which an individual wagers money or something of monetary value for the opportunity to win money or something of monetary value."

Despite the setback, there's still a flicker of hope for 2025. The opposition primarily came from almost all Republicans and a handful of Democrats, with concerns centered on excluding the state’s existing casino operators from this new online market. Rep. David Boyer voiced a strong opinion, focusing on the need to revisit the bill's approach, particularly the tax implications and job impacts on existing casinos in cities like Oxford and Bangor.

For us poker players, this decision underscores the ongoing challenges and complexities of expanding online gaming in smaller states like Maine, which faces similar hurdles as others like West Virginia, Connecticut, and Delaware. A successful online poker scene in Maine could potentially enhance the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA), currently comprising states like Nevada, New Jersey, and Michigan, among others.

The decision in Maine echoes a recent rejection in Maryland, showing a pattern of challenges for online gaming legislation across the country. As we look ahead, supporters are encouraged to refine the bill for a better shot next year. So, while we keep our poker faces on and wait, let’s keep the conversation going about what this means for us as players and for the broader gaming community in Maine and beyond. Here’s hoping for a full house in legislative support come 2025!