Maine Gov. Paul LePage criticized proponents of a plan for the construction of the state’s third casino for trying to add value to the proposal by saying that it would create more jobs and would contribute to the improvement of the quality of education. Cited by local news outlet Sun Journal, the state’s top official said on Tuesday that it was actually all about expanded gambling and nothing else.
Maine is home to two casinos at present. Any proposed casino expansion should first be given the green light by state residents. A casino question will be added on the state’s November 7 ballot and it is when people will be able to express their opinion on the proposed third casino.
According to Gov. LePage, casino backers have not been completely honest with Maine residents and have been trying to put before them a plan that could potentially cannibalize revenue from the state’s existing casinos – one in Bangor and the other in Oxford.
The official explained that Maine’s casino market is already facing saturation and that it would be difficult for it to attract new casino patrons from neighboring states as nearby Massachusetts is building two large integrated resorts. The two projects have a combined investment of over $3 billion and it would be hard for a much smaller new casino in Maine to compete with them. The Governor summed up that the new gambling venue would only steal patrons and much-needed revenue from its interstate competitors, which would not benefit the state in any way.
What Does the Casino Ballot Question Include and How It Has Been Received So Far?
The casino question will be put on the November 7 ballot after the necessary number of signatures was gathered. Here it is interesting to note that nearly $5 million were spent by campaigners to promote the measure.
Many found the ballot question a bit odd, as if approved, it would give only one person the right to build a casino somewhere in York County (the precise location is yet to be determined). Businessman Shawn Scott would be that one person who will be able to apply for the necessary permit for constructing the gambling venue. His involvement in the proposal, however, has ignited bitter controversy.
The businessman, his sister, and other individuals close to them are under investigation for allegedly participating in funding the $4.3 million signature-gathering initiative. Back in 2003, Mr. Scott won the right to add slot machines at the existing Bangor horse racing track. He then sold his stake in the venture to casino operator Penn National for the amount of $51 million.
The entrepreneur’s participation in the third casino proposal upset many, including the state gubernatorial candidates. Most of the contenders for the post of Maine’s top official said that they did not find the move one that would benefit the state. Some of them openly said that they would vote no in the upcoming referendum. The candidates also encouraged Maine residents to make an informed choice when casting their ballot.
Proponents of the casino project have pointed out that it would generate 2,000 new jobs and around $250 million in tax revenue in the first five years after its launch. Opponents, on the other hand, believe that the whole process lacks transparency and that the benefits pointed would be difficult to be achieved.
