Maine Approves $300 Affordability Checks for Eligible Residents

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The Maine state legislature has approved a new budget that includes $300 affordability checks for eligible residents, which Governor Janet Mills has now signed into law. The budget also includes a ban on sweepstakes casinos across the state, with enforcement and penalties kicking in around mid-July.

Why it matters

The $300 affordability checks are intended to help Maine residents cope with the rising cost of living, while the sweepstakes casino ban is part of the state's shift toward regulated real-money online casinos.

The details

To be eligible for the $300 affordability checks, residents must have filed a 2025 Maine tax return and fall under the income limits set by lawmakers. The checks will be mailed out shortly after the budget takes effect in mid-July. The new law banning sweepstakes casinos across Maine means that if you've been using these sites, you'll see them shut down soon and should cash out any remaining sweepstakes credits before they disappear.

• The new Maine state budget, including the $300 affordability checks, will take effect in mid-July 2026.
• The ban on sweepstakes casinos across Maine will also be enforced starting in mid-July 2026.

What’s next

Eligible Maine residents who filed a 2025 tax return should watch for their $300 affordability checks to arrive in the mail after the new state budget takes effect in mid-July. Those who have been using sweepstakes casino sites should cash out any remaining credits before the sites are shut down under the new law.