PRESQUE ISLE — The Mi’kmaq Nation will distribute payments to its 1,700 tribal members this year for the first time, using income generated by its sports betting enterprise.

The Wabanaki Nation based in Aroostook County will distribute checks of $300 to $500 to each adult member, in addition to trust funds for those under 18. The tribe intends to make the payments annually.

“This is something that we’ve never had,” said Chief Sheila McCormack, adding “This is money — actual money.”

A 2022 Maine law gave the Wabanaki Nations authority to operate online sports books, and betting began in late 2023. The Passamaquoddy Tribe partnered with DraftKings, a titan of the virtual gambling industry. The Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, Mi’kmaq Nation and Penobscot Nation jointly entered into a partnership with Caesars Sportsbook.

In the 2.5 years since, the three-tribe enterprise has generated $16.9 million in gross receipts, of which 10% is collected by the state. Caesars can legally keep up to 40% of revenue, per state regulations, leaving the three tribes with at least $8.5 million to split.

Betting profits have grown every year since books opened for business in Maine, and the first two full months of 2026 indicate the trend is continuing.

McCormack said the tribe is investing the revenue and will distribute dividends for the first time in December.

Tribal finances are often opaque to those outside the communities. The lack of clarity surrounding gaming revenue in the Passamaquoddy Tribe led some late last year to hurl accusations of mismanagement at one chief. The Penobscot Nation distributed some of its sports betting revenue to members in November, according to a letter from the chief.

The Mi’kmaq Nation received federal recognition in 1991, over a decade after the three other Wabanaki Nations in Maine.

“We are a very young tribe,” said Kandi Sock, the nation’s community services director.

Since gaining recognition, the tribe has expanded drastically. It employs 130 people and operates a broad array of services and businesses, including a farm, trout hatchery, health clinic and water testing laboratory. All of these efforts help form a foundation of economic independence.

Gaming revenue is one more piece of the puzzle.

“This will help to heat tribal homes during the current energy crisis,” said Shane Hill, the tribe’s facilities maintenance manager and acting director of the transportation, realty, and assets management department.

Reuben M. Schafir is a Report for America corps member who writes about Indigenous communities for the Portland Press Herald.