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Maine Governor Wants to Create Racino Agency

AUGUSTA, Maine – As reported by the Associated Press: "The Maine Harness Racing Commission could be put out to pasture under Gov. John Baldacci's proposal for creating a new state commission to regulate slot machines at the state's commercial racetracks.

"The so-called `racino' bill, approved by Maine voters on Nov. 4, allowed slots at tracks in Bangor and Scarborough and granted control over the machines to the Maine Harness Racing Commission, created 68 years ago.

"But Baldacci thinks there is a better way to regulate the machines and enforce the laws governing them. He's considering a gambling commission, a new agency that could eliminate the existing commission.

"…`We need to reorganize the regulatory arm of this industry now and strengthen it,' he said.

"The idea is similar to what is done in other states where slot machines operate at commercial racetracks.

"…`The people have voted for it, and we need to make sure, as much as we can, that we guarantee the integrity of the process and inhibit organized crime and corruption,' he said…"

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