$1.5M needed for casino oversight
The state must spend $1.5 million to expand its oversight system to regulate a recently approved casino in western Maine.
In its preliminary budget, the Gambling Control Board, established to oversee Hollywood Slots in Bangor, will need to hire 11 additional employees -- including eight inspectors and a police detective -- before the Oxford casino opens in 2012, according to the Kennebec Journal. The agency's cost to regulate the casino once it is opened is estimated to be $2.7 million a year, which would come from the state's General Fund. The casino is required to provide 46% of its net revenue from slot machines and 16% of its net revenue from table games to the state for various programs, an amount expected to be $28 million annually. However, only about $2.1 million is allocated for administrative costs.
Voters approved the casino, proposed by Black Bear Entertainment, earlier this month by a margin of about 5,300 votes. Anti-casino groups have asked for a recount, a process slated to begin Dec. 2, according to the paper.
Go to the article from the Kennebec Journal >>
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