Legislative Panel Backs Second Maine Racino
May 5, 2005,Harness Racing Communications, a division of the USTA
The Maine Legislature’s Legal and Veterans Affairs Committee voted 9-1 to back a plan to put a harness track and slot operation in Washington County, Maine, according to the Portland (Maine) Press Herald.
The plan still faces votes in the Maine House and Senate, where anti-gambling groups have vowed to fight it. The state’s Governor John Baldacci has said he opposes the expansion of gambling, but has not said specifically if he would veto a bill dealing with Washington County.
Washington County is one of the state’s poorest areas and the measure was proposed to help economic development in the area. It would be operated by the Passamaquoddy Indian Tribe. Slot machines are presenty illegal throughout the state except in Bangor, where Bangor Raceway will soon begin construction of a slots operation at the track.
- Maine Governor Signs Bill For Racino Developers (Monday, April 04, 2005)
Maine Governor John Baldacci has signed into law a bill that gives racino operators in Maine the right to withold certain information in applying for a state gaming license.
- Public Hearing in Maine on Second Racino (Tuesday, April 26, 2005)
A legislative proposal to allow the Passamaquoddy Indian trible to build a racino in Washington County was discussed in public yesterday, according to a report in the Portland (Maine) Press Herald.