Senate splits vote on gambling proposals
The Maine Senate cast split votes across party lines on two gambling bills Thursday, favoring one to allow racinos in Biddeford and Washington County and opposing another to allow a casino in Lewiston.
LD 1203 would authorize the development of two racinos in Biddeford and Calais. Horse-racing facility Scarborough Downs has partnered with New Hampshire-based hotel developer Ocean Properties on a proposal to relocate to Biddeford and add slot machines, a measure Biddeford residents approved in November. The bill also allows the Passamaquoddy Tribe to operate a racino in Washington County.
LD 985 would allow for a casino in Lewiston, where Great Falls Recreation and Redevelopment LLC propose to operate a gambling facility in the Bates Mill complex. The Senate voted 17-16 to send the project to referendum, and the measure now will be sent back to the House, which endorsed it earlier this week, according to the Sun Journal.
The bills still require approval from Gov. Paul LePage, who previously indicated he would veto them in order to send them to a statewide vote. All three initiatives have gathered enough signatures to put them on the November ballot.
Most Recent
Most Recent
Comments