Oxford Casino Hotel and its owners—BB Development, LLC and Churchill Downs Incorporated—have filed a federal lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maine against Milton F. Champion, executive director of the Maine Gambling Control Unit, seeking to block implementation of Maine’s new online-casino framework.
At the center of the case is LD 1164, which became law on January 11, 2026 after Governor Janet Mills allowed it to take effect without her signature. The complaint argues the statute creates an unlawful “monopoly” by limiting iGaming licenses to Maine’s federally recognized Wabanaki Nations, and alleges violations of equal-protection principles under both U.S. and Maine law. Court records show the complaint was filed January 23, 2026.
The filing also highlights how the law defines “internet gaming” as casino-style table games—such as blackjack, poker, craps, roulette and baccarat—offered through approved digital platforms.
Oxford Casino says the structure could materially harm its land-based business. Local reporting notes the casino cites a study projecting 378 job losses, about $22 million in lost labor income and roughly $60 million in reduced value added, while also stating Oxford employs 364 people. Separately, industry coverage points to an 18% tax rate on online-casino revenue under the new law and frames the tribal iGaming opportunity as significant.
