A newly released study finding that Maine can support up to two more casinos has created concerns of cannibalization for the state’s two current establishments.
The Bangor Daily News reported that the study commissioned by the Maine Legislature and conducted by White Sand Gaming has been praised by members of the Legislature’s Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee. The study said the state could increase its gaming revenues from $53.2 million to $67 million in first year of operations for a third casino.
But spokespeople for the Oxford Casino and Hollywood Casino in Bangor, along with municipal officials from each area, have expressed concerns that any new casinos could eat into their market share and reduce revenues.
“Maine’s gambling revenues have flattened,” Jane Hoyt, spokeswoman for Oxford Casino, told the BDN. “Our concern is that additional casinos in Maine, or in neighboring states such as Massachusetts or New Hampshire, will have a direct negative impact to jobs and economic development, not only at the casino property but also as it relates to rural Oxford County.”
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