Gov. Janet Mills said on Thursday that she will allow a bill to become law that gives tribes in Maine the exclusive right to offer online casino games — a move that drew rapturous praise from Wabanaki chiefs.

Mills said in a written statement that she agreed to support the bill after speaking with five elected chiefs of the Wabanaki Nations during the fall. The chiefs said the bill is vital for economic sovereignty and would provide “life-changing revenue.”

Mills said she would allow the bill to become law without her signature even though she has “concerns about the impact of gambling on public health.” But Mills expressed confidence that the state’s Gambling Control Unit would provide proper oversight while ensuring the tribes benefit.

“I believe that this new form of gambling should be regulated,” Mills said. “It has always been my strong desire to work with Tribal leaders to improve the lives and livelihoods of the Wabanaki Nations, and it is my hope that this new revenue will do just that.”

The National Association Against iGaming blasted Mills’ decision, accusing the governor of abandoning her longstanding opposition to online gambling to help her U.S. Senate campaign.

“The timing of this decision cannot be ignored,” the group said in a written statement. “While only the Governor can explain her change of heart, it is difficult to view this decision as anything other than a political calculation rather than a policy driven by evidence or public interest.”

The group plans to launch a people’s veto to overturn the law at the ballot box.

The bill was the last one from the previous session awaiting action from Mills. She could have vetoed it. Instead, her move to allow it to become law adds a new chapter to Mills’ mixed record on tribal relations. Maine officials recognizing the full sovereignty of tribes is an issue that has drawn passionate support from the Democratic party’s base.

Unlike most other federally recognized tribes, Wabanaki Nations here operate more like municipalities because of a pair of agreements from the 1980s that arose from tribal claims to two-thirds of the state. Other federally recognized tribes typically answer to the federal government.

Mills has opposed sweeping efforts to recognize tribal sovereignty, but she has also greatly improved relations between the tribes and the state, which reached a low under her predecessor, Republican Gov. Paul LePage.

One of the biggest actions supported by Mills was giving tribes the exclusive right to offer online sports betting.

But Mills’ administration had signaled opposition to the iGaming bill, which would allow tribes to also offer table games such as poker, black jack and roulette.

The bill was opposed during a public hearing by the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the Gambling Control Unit. The CDC expressed concerns about the addictive nature of online games, while the gambling unit said it was hesitant about expanding online gambling while the state is still getting used to sports betting.

Proponents argued last year that online table games are already accessible illegally online and that the state should regulate the industry while fostering economic development both for tribes and surrounding communities.

Chief William Nicholas Sr., of the Passamaquoddy Tribe at Indian Township, said in a written statement that Mills’ decision represents a “turning point for the Passamaquoddy people and for all Wabanaki Nations.” He declared Mills to be “greatest ever Maine Governor champion for Wabanaki progress.”

“Our economies are undoubtedly stronger due to positive state policy changes under Governor Mills,” Nicholas said. “Through her leadership over two terms, she has demonstrated an unmatched commitment to tribal self-determination and prosperity.”

LD 1164, sponsored by Rep. Ambureen Rana, D-Bangor, grants exclusive iGaming rights to four federally recognized tribes in Maine — the Passamaquoddy Tribe, the Penobscot Nation, the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians and the Mi’kmaq Nation.

“These revenues will fund essential governmental services for our people,” said Penobscot Nation Chief Kirk Francis. “These revenues will also benefit our neighboring rural communities.”

The state would receive 18% of the gross receipts, generating millions of dollars annually for a variety of programs, including gambling addiction prevention and treatment; opioid use prevention and treatment; the Maine Veterans’ Homes; Fund for Healthy Maine; school renovation loans and emergency housing relief.