Further casino debates in Maine

Weeks away from the referendum that would approve a casino in York County, some Maine communities are already debating on the proposal.

US.- Members of the Legislature’s Government Oversight Committee made the case earlier this week that Maine’s initiative process is being gamed. A referendum for a casino to be installed in an unconfirmed location in York County gets closer, and some Maine communities are set to welcome the facility as York is unlikely to be a candidate. As the Board of Selectmen in York is set to voice opposition to a gambling venue in their town, many other are taking out positions on the measure.

Biddeford, for instance, has already backed the idea of a casino in the past and officials are ready to jump in if the referendum is passed as they’ve taken a wait-and-see approach for now. Maine officials estimate that a casino license, which would be granted if the initiative is approved, would be worth up to US$200 million. The casino would be built in any York County community that agrees to host it whether its through a Town Council vote, a town meeting vote or a municipal referendum.

A pro-casino campaign has already hit the streets as residents in Lewiston and Auburn, as well as Scarborough, have reported campaign workers going door to door trying to draw support for the ballot question, arguing that it’d generate jobs and more money for the town. On the other hand, opponents say that Maine just isn’t big enough for three casinos and argue it’d cost communities jobs and revenue.