Gov. signs casino bill, could veto others
Gov. Paul LePage has signed a bill into law clarifying how the distance between casinos should be measured, but other bills seeking new casinos could get his veto.
LePage yesterday signed LD 677, "An Act Regarding the Determination of Distance for the Purposes of the Gambling Control Board Laws," which specifies that the 100-mile minimum distance between casinos is measured by road travel, not straight lines, according to a press release from the governor's office. The House and Senate passed the bill earlier this month. The issue came to light after it was found that Black Bear Entertainment's casino in Oxford County would be 94 miles from Hollywood Slots as the crow flies, but 125 driving miles. In signing the bill, LePage said the clarification makes sense, as "crows don't gamble."
In related news, Dan Billings, LePage's legal counsel, recently told lawmakers debating bills that would allow casinos in Lewiston, Biddeford and Washington County that the governor would likely veto them if they are passed by the Legislature, according to the Bangor Daily News. The Legislature has the option of either passing the bills or putting them on a statewide ballot. Billings said LePage would veto them if passed because he believes voters should have the final say.
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