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Maine Racino Receives Support

AUGUSTA, Maine – As reported by the Bangor Daily News: "Gambling opponents were dealt two losing hands Wednesday with a Legislative panel backing a tribal racetrack casino while summarily rejecting attempts to limit operations at a slots facility planned for Bangor.

"The Legislature Legal and Veterans Affairs Committee voted 10-1 in favor of a bill that would allow the Passamaquoddy Tribe to operate up to 1,500 slots at a harness racing track on or near its reservations in Washington County.

"The bill, LD 1573, is based on current law that allows up to 1,500 slots at Bangor Raceway.

"Wednesday's vote marks a significant victory for the tribe, which along with a coalition of Washington County lawmakers and business owners, presented the plan as a means of lifting Maine's poorest county out of economic distress.

"…The strong endorsement is expected to bolster the bill's chances in both the House and Senate, thus causing consternation among slots opponents. Among them was Dennis Bailey, spokesman for the Portland-based Casinos No!

"…Gambling opponents also were on the losing end of efforts to limit operations in Bangor, the only city eligible to host a slots facility under the new state law. Penn National Gaming Inc., a Pennsylvania-based gaming and racing company, has submitted an application to operate the Bangor slots.

"The committee unanimously rejected three of the four bills related to the Bangor racino project and tabled another…"

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