Maine Legislature poised to consider Comprehensive Gaming Policy
April 17, 2015,By Michael Sweeney for Scarborough Downs
Scarborough, ME — A bipartisan group of lawmakers applauded a presentation today by WhiteSand Gaming where they rolled out a Gaming Report, commissioned by the 126th Legislature, to the Veterans and Legal Affairs (VLA) Committee. The consultants argued for a comprehensive approach to casino and gaming policy, outlined the feasibility for expanded gaming, and provided context for their Report findings.
“The Report was clear and convincing that Maine’s gaming industry has used the referendum process to write their own rules,” said Rep. Wayne Parry (R-Arundel). “Today, WhiteSand Gaming provided a real roadmap for the Legislature and will level the playing field. Let’s move forward this session so we can get the best deal for Maine.”
While some lawmakers argued that following their Report might create unpredictability in the marketplace, WhiteSand demonstrated that the referendum process created greater uncertainty. The experts noted that lawmakers should take a time-out from the referendum process, and instead take an organized approach to gaming.
WhiteSand Gaming encouraged lawmakers to increase the licensing fees, but to really focus attention on up-front investment in the property as a way to ensure long-term investment. Specifically, they noted that Maine should set a minimum $250 million capital investment with a $5 million license fee, a significant difference over the current $250,000 license fee. By contrast, The Cross Insurance Center in Bangor cost roughly $65 million to build.
The big question the Committee wrestled with centered around market feasibility, and the consultants confirmed there’s a market for a Southern Maine destination resort casino, along with two smaller tribal facilities in Aroostook and Washington County. They noted a Southern Maine property would create more than 1,000 new jobs once the properties are built, and that lawmakers should focus on the broader impacts new economic growth could have on Maine. Key in the discussion, were the impact new facilities could have in supporting farmers, the harness racing industry and agricultural fairs across the state.
“The clear take-away for me is that our gaming laws resemble a patchwork quilt,” said Rep. Diane Russell, who served three terms on VLA. “The WhiteSand Gaming Report provides a constructive path forward to streamline our laws, invest in our agricultural heritage and craft a comprehensive approach to gaming that gets the best deal for Maine people.”