Stop Predatory Gambling

Maine gears up for another fight against the predatory gambling trade

by spgadmin

Predatory gambling interests turned in petitions yesterday aiming to force another referendum next year on whether to allow a casino in western Maine.

Maine voters have repeatedly rejected such initiatives since 2003, when a proposal by two of the state’s Indian tribes for a $650 million casino was turned down. Since then, state voters have rejected casino proposals in the Canadian border city of Calais and last year shot down a proposal for a casino in Oxford County.

“The voters are ready – ready for economic development,’’ said Peter Martin of Black Bear Entertainment LLC, which wants to develop a four-season casino-resort in Oxford. “People of Maine are tired; they’re frustrated.”  Martin also called his something-for-nothing scheme “the largest private education stimulus package ever offered in the state of Maine.”

If Martin believes the voters of Maine truly support predatory gambling, then he should agree to a campaign spending cap. Why spend millions of dollars in lobbying efforts if the voters are really “ready” for it?