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Maine Defeats Indian Casino Plan

AUGUSTA, Maine – As reported by the Day: ``An overwhelming majority of Maine voters said no dice Tuesday to Indians' proposal to build a $650 million gambling casino, deciding that promises of jobs and new taxes did not outweigh its drawbacks.

``…With votes counted in 31 percent of 649 Maine precincts, the no votes had a 2-1 edge, 67 percent to 33 percent.

``Question 3 on the referendum ballot generated intense debate as the campaigns for and against the casino drew close to $10 million in contributions - a state record - to get their messages across to voters.

``The ballot also included a question on whether slot machines should be allowed at Maine's commercial harness racing tracks in Scarborough and Bangor. Tallies were much closer in that referendum.

``Maine's Passamaquoddy and Penobscot Indian tribes, who forced the casino referendum through a petition drive, proposed building a 200,000-square-foot casino with 4,000 slot machines and 180 gaming tables, along with an 875-room hotel.

``…The pro-casino campaign emphasized the project's potential to generate 10,000 construction and service jobs while improving the lives of Indians.

``Casino backers also said the project, once completed, would pour $100 million a year into state coffers.

``…Opponents also sought to shift the debate from whether a casino should be built to whether the state was getting a good deal under the proposed legislation…"

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