Gambling debates in Maine might be renewed later today, after a bill that would have authorized the launch of a racetrack and casino venue in the southern part of the state was rejected by the Senate last week.
Gambling supporters gathered together on Monday to urge the state Legislature to approve the measure that would hopefully help Maine’s harness racing industry. Industry representatives and veterans called for the creation of a bidding process for the establishment of a casino resort that would also feature racetrack activities either in Cumberland County or the York County.
Previous versions of the proposed legislation suggested that the gambling venue would have to be approved only by voters from the host community. Later today, another version of the bill would be reconsidered. Under it, the potential opening of a combined racetrack and casino facility would need to be approved by residents of the state.
However, Gov. Paul LePage’s administration has repeatedly pointed out that it is not particularly keen on any expansion of the state’s gambling industry. Currently, there are two casinos in Maine – Hollywood Casino Hotel and Raceway in Bangor and Oxford Casino in Oxford. The first facility was approved by state voters in 2003 and opened doors two years later. The latter was backed by Maine residents in 2010.
Legislators have also expressed concerns that if signed into law, the bill would likely result in tension between the state and the federally recognized tribes that reside on its territory. Earlier this year, a proposal that would have authorized tribes to open a gambling facility on their lands was voted against by state lawmakers.
Although many believe that a new casino would have a negative impact on the revenue generated by the two existing ones, a Legislature commissioned report published in September 2014 concluded that Maine’s gambling market had the capacity to accommodate yet another gaming facility. It also suggested that the venue should be located along Interstate 95 in the southern part of the state.
According to the report, Maine could host another modest-sized casino with no more than 10 table games and 250 slot machines in near proximity to its border with Canada.
If any of the several versions of the proposed casino bill is backed by the Legislature, a portion of the new venue’s revenue would go to host communities, various education programs, the state’s harness racing industry, etc.
One of the proposal’s versions also calls for $14 million to be annually contributed to various veterans programs. However, it is still unclear, whether such measure would be presented for consideration later today.
