A proposal that could lead to tribal gaming operations in Maine will be the focus of a hearing Wednesday before the state legislature’s Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee. Earlier legislative attempts have failed.
Based on prior opposition, the bill appears to face an uphill battle. The proposal requires a major change in law.
It also faces likely opposition from current commercial gaming properties in Maine which do not want the competition. These include: the Hollywood Casino in Bangor and the Oxford Casino & Hotel in Oxford.
Opponents have argued the New England gaming market is already saturated and tribal casinos would hurt prior economic development in Maine where the commercial casinos are located.
Currently, due to state law the tribes cannot take advantage of the federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act that lets the federal government review a request for a casino on tribal land.