Gambling consolidation questioned
A proposal to consolidate the state's gambling activities has drawn criticism from lawmakers.
The Legislature's Legal and Veterans Affairs Committee and the appropriations committee discussed the proposal last week as part of Gov. John Baldacci's budget proposal, according to Capitol News Service. The proposal would eliminate the position of executive director of the Gambling Control Board, currently held by Robert Welch, and put the state's gambling activities -- from Hollywood Slots in Bangor to beano and bingo organized by nonprofits -- under the oversight of the state police. The move would save the state $100,000 a year, according to Maine Public Broadcasting Network.
But some legislators have spoken out against the proposal, saying it's a policy issue that extends outside budgetary matters, and that the state police should not be allowed to both regulate and enforce gambling activities. Lawmakers also expressed concern that the elimination of the executive director position would mean decreased oversight of gambling, according to the news service.
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