Scarborough Downs bargains for initial racino OK
The Maine House gave initial approval Wednesday to a bill that would allow Scarborough Downs to add slot machines to its race track complex, but only after developers build a hotel, entertainment complex and a new ⅝-mile track at the site.
The Sun Journal reported LD 1111 would also direct the state to study assessing a licensing fee of at least $50 million for a new gambling facility in Scarborough.
The newspaper reported the bill’s 86-50 passage in the House came as the Maine State Harness Racing Commission presented new revenue figures showing declines in race revenue in the last year. The report on 2013 revenue showed simulcast bets dropped to $12.1 million from $14.2 million in 2012. Henry Jackson, executive director of the harness racing commission, said both Scarborough Downs and the Bangor Historic Track operated at a loss last year. Those figures come as casino gaming is on the rise.
Lawmakers have also given initial approvals to three other bills that would expand tribal gaming in the state.
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