Maine State Legislature has been looking for years for ways to develop its gaming business, so as for local Indian tribes to be included. On Monday, it was announced that members of a specially appointed legislative committee will prepare a preliminary version of a report that will aid lawmakers in their discussion about the construction of new gambling facilities.
Two more casinos are planned to be launched in Maine. One of these is expected to be located in the southern part of the state and the other is to benefit local Indian tribes. And the report might help for the discussions, concerning the construction of these new gambling venues, to be resumed.
However, Democratic State Sen. John Patrick of Rumford stated that it would be quite difficult for an agreement that meets all the requirements of both the Legislature and the Governor to be reached. He commented that the well-being of the state’s residents is what should matter most when they are making their final decision.
According to the results from a study, carried out by WhiteSand Gaming, the state of Maine can successfully accommodate two more casinos, apart from those operating in Oxford and Bangor.
The document will be sent to the committee members soon.
State Rep. Jonathan Kinney stated that any potential casino operator should meet all the requirements needed, in order to be granted a license. What is more, he believed that the new gambling venues should not offer any other types of entertainment. It is more than enough for them to provide their visitors with excellent gaming options.
It seems that the study supported the construction of a small tribal casino somewhere in Washington or Aroostook County. Yet, no specific information was given as to whether it might be a better idea for two even smaller venues to be built in either county. They would be operated by the local Maliseet and Passamaquoddy tribes. In addition to this, the document did not contain information about the Penobscot Indian Nation, which had also expressed its interest in managing a casino venue.
Wayne Mitchell, Penobscot Tribal Representative, stated that his tribe would not tolerate a decision that does not take into consideration the needs and wishes of his people.
State Sen. Linda Valentino announced that she intends to file a bill request later in December that will suggest the construction of three more gambling venues. She said that she will offer the launch of a facility in the southern part of Maine, as well as of two smaller ones in both Aroostook and Washington. Valentino also added that the state will most certainly meet its cap for a total of 3,500 slot machines, provided that they are distributed in a proper manner.
Moreover, she suggested that a statewide vote would not be necessary. She considered it more appropriate for the opinion of the residents of the proposed counties to be heard. Thus, regional rivalries will be avoided.
