Efforts to promote gambling in Maine frequently make the argument that some of us are so down and out that a roll of the dice is our only shot at prosperity.
That’s one of the arguments made on behalf of a resort casino in Oxford County, due to be considered in a statewide vote this fall. According its promoters, Black Bear Four Seasons Resort, will “create desperately needed jobs,” and “introduce new economic energy to western Maine.”
And now Biddeford voters are being encouraged to try their luck. On Nov. 2, the city’s voters will consider a proposal for a racino under the same law that led to Hollywood Slots in Bangor.
The city will have to arrange a partnership Scarborough Downs, and find room for a harness track. No one is predicting profits from pari-mutuel betting, but once “Biddeford Downs” is in business, a developer can begin work on the real enterprise ”“ a slot machine complex with all the amenities.
No details of the plan have yet been spelled out. Conceivably, there might be a scenario that is just too good to resist. For instance, improved access from the Maine Turnpike to Main Street and redevelopment of a vacant mill could light up the downtown districts on both sides of the river.
Better access to Main Street would be a tempting incentive. But it seems more likely that developers have their eyes on untouched open space on the outskirts of the city.
City government has taken a hush-hush approach to this public issue, discussing it extensively behind closed doors, then abruptly putting it on the table without any advance notice. Presumably the business interests behind this deal intend to release a minimum of information before the November vote.
The promise of “jobs, jobs, jobs,” in Mayor Joanne Twomey’s words, could be a big temptation for a working city like Biddeford. The temptation for Scarborough Downs is even stronger; as a spokesman acknowledged last week, harness racing is not economically feasible these days unless slot machines are part of the equation.
But as competition for gambling revenue increases, gaming operations are hardly a sure thing. A year from now there could be a casino in Oxford County, and new gambling enterprises in several neighboring states
Throughout the Northeast, states are hurrying to grab their share of gambling revenue. As a result of increased competition, casino revenue has been down for three straight years in Las Vegas, and New Jersey is considering whether to rescue the fading casino strip in Atlantic City.
Although the odds may look good, Biddeford voters should carefully consider the risks that the job promises might not work out as advertised, and the slot machines may be fed primarily with dollars from local wallets.
— Questions? Comments? Contact Managing Editor Nick Cowenhoven at nickc@journaltribune.com.
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