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April 15, 2009

Gambling debate redux

Sen. Bruce Bryant (D-Dixfield) has proposed a bill to allow the Maine Gambling Control Board to license up to 3,500 slot machines without voter approval.

Gathering provisions that already appear in other pending legislation, Bryant proposed a measure that would allow new racetracks in Oxford and Washington counties with up to 1,500 slot machines at each facility, according to Capitol News Service. The bill would also allow a "federally recognized tribe" to operate high-stakes beacon games on nontribal land in Washington County.

Bryant hopes gambling interests will work together to support his bill, but Dennis Bailey, executive director of CasinosNo!, told Capitol News the measure's sponsors need "hearing aids" because they haven't listened to recent voter opposition to expanding gambling beyond Bangor's Hollywood Slots, which is the only racino in the state. The public hearing for the bill has not yet been scheduled.

 

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