Maine may be behind other Northeastern states when it comes to casino expansion, but that does not mean they cannot catch up quickly. Residents in the
Officials in Maine have acknowledged that supporters of a race track casino in Biddeford have secured enough signatures to have their proposal discussed by state legislators. The 59,095 certified signatures ensures that lawmakers in the state must at least hear the proposal.
Even if the legislators decide against approving the proposal, voters would have the final say. If lawmakers declined the bill, it would then go to the residents of Maine in November. If the voters approved the bill, expansion would be sure to follow in a state that did not even have casino gambling up until last year.
The proposal would not only open the door for a casino in Biddeford, but would also change some of the existing laws regarding gaming expansion. Currently, no casino can be built within 100 miles of the new Oxford casino that was approved last fall. If this new bill passes, that stipulation would be eliminated.
Maine is late into the casino game in the Northeast. Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, and New York have all made strides towards competing with New Jersey for gamblers on the East Coast. Delaware has made the biggest strides by adding sports betting.
Pennsylvania, however, has also made a strong push to become the gaming capital of the East Coast. Pennsylvania lawmakers approved table games for state casinos early last year, and by July, casinos in the state were offering popular games such as blackjack, roulette, and craps.
February 5, 2011
Posted By April Gardner
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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