Senator Bruce Bryant Proposes Installation of Slot Machines at Scarborough Downs

On April 7th, 2009, slot machines would be permitted at the Scarborough Downs and at new racing track casinos (racinos) in Oxford and Washington counties under a gaming expansion proposal introduced that day. Senator Bruce Bryant, a Democrat from Dixfield and the sponsor of the measure said that what they want to do is to gather groups that are interested in the slot machine proposals and as an organization push the bill forward.

All of the provisions in Bryant's proposal already are before legislators as separate bills and with some differences on size and how the profits from gaming would be allocated. Bryant said that his slots measure would permit horse racing tracks in Oxford and Washington counties to offer slot machines and would permit the state Gaming Control Board to permit up to 3,500 slot machines, with no more than 1,500 machines at any gaming facility.

The Hollywood Slots facility in Bangor, Maine is the only racino in the state and is allowed to offer 1,500 slot machines. Bryant said that this is a golden opportunity for the state to make additional revenue and it would provide money for horsemen, agriculture and agriculture fairs, education and others.

The measure also allows the issuance of a high-stakes beano gaming license to federally recognized Indian tribes on non tribal location in Washington, County. But it does not send the measure to a statewide vote, although it does need a local vote in the community where the horse racing casino may be located.

Tuesday, 05 May 2009
Alex Van Der Butz