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Maine Racino Supporters Outspend Opponents

AUGUSTA, Maine – As reported by the Portland Press Herald: "Racino opponents say that being outspent 20 to 1 in the ongoing legislative battle over Gov. John Baldacci's gambling-control bill is unfair but may not be a big disadvantage as the bill works its way through the Legislature. State records show that Casinos No! and the Christian Civic League of Maine, which oppose racinos, had only three lobbyists between them in January. The two groups combined paid their lobbyists about $3,475 last month.

"By contrast, racino promoters Shawn Scott and his family and Penn National Gaming paid 11 lobbyists more than $74,000 in January.

"…That disparity has racino opponents fuming that they have been outgunned at the State House, where the legislative committee that is considering the bill plans to resume its work Wednesday.

"Baldacci's measure would create a state Gambling Control Board to license and regulate slot machines. But other issues include how much of the take should go to promoters and to the state, whether Scarborough Downs should get another shot at siting a racino and whether there should be another statewide referendum on the issue…"

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