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Maine governor wants to stop gambling bills

AUGUSTA, Maine – As reported by the Bangor Daily: "A measure that would authorize a casino in Oxford County is part of growing list of bills which would expand gambling in Maine, and it's a trend Gov. John Baldacci vows to stop.

"Baldacci said he does not understand why there are several proposals before the Legislature to expand gambling, and he plans to oppose all of them. He wants any expansion decided by the voters, not the Legislature.

"…The legislation would grant Evergreen Mountain Enterprises LLC the right to operate the first casino in Maine with up to 4,500 slot machines, and the ability to offer many other types of gambling, including blackjack, poker, dice, roulette, baccarat, money-wheels and bingo.

"…Hollywood Slots at Bangor, the current Bangor racino, has slot machines but does not have the authority to engage in the wide array of gambling activities set forth in the Oxford County proposal. Neither does the initiated bill before the Legislature from the Passamaquoddy Tribe that would allow the establishment of a racino in Washington County.

"In addition to the racino and casino measures, lawmakers are also considering legislation that would allow nonprofits to operate five slot machines per location. And the Penobscot Nation has a bill to allow it to operate 400 slot machines to offset the bingo revenue it has lost since Hollywood Slots began operation…"

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