Maine – Gambling in America
In 1980 Congress passed the Maine Indian Claims Act, granting a financial settlement of $81.5 million to the Passamaquoddy, Penobscot, and Maliseet tribes. Part of the funds were used to purchase 300,000 acres of land that was put into trust for the tribes. The act specifically gave the state of Maine jurisdiction over civil and criminal law matters on any lands put into trust for the tribes as a result of such purchases from the settlement. After Congress passed the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988, however, the tribes sought negotiations so that they could have gambling that would be controlled by the federal government or by the provisions of a compact. The Penobscots held bingo games that violated state rules. Subsequent court actions upheld the state’s power to control the gaming. Nonetheless, the state has tolerated bingo games that may extend beyond limits approved for other charity games in Maine.
Since 1973 the state has offered several lottery games, including instant tickets, lotto, and a daily numbers game. In the 1980s, Maine was a member of the Tri-State Lotto game with New Hampshire and Vermont. There are also charitable raffles and bingo, and harness racing is conducted on three tracks.
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