My stand is there should be multiple casinos, without a monopoly of 100-mile radius as Question 1 allows.
So this year we should vote “no.”
Out-of-state investors have been planning this casino for more than 10 years, which may be why a law was passed to offer this casino a 100-mile exclusive radius creating a monopoly on gaming tables and other types of gambling.
Monopolies will cost all users more.
This would stop table games in the already-established Racino in Bangor, offtrack betting in Scarborough and Waterville, and anywhere else within 100 miles of Bethel. This is not good. But it does not exclude Vermont, New Hampshire and Canada, all of which are less than 100 miles away.
Maine allows gambling via lottery tickets in every retail store and gas station in the state. As well as bingo and Texas hold ’em table games.
Maine rejected the Indian proposal in Calais numerous times since the early 1990s. The unemployment rate in Calais is close to 30 percent. Calais of any place should be permitted a casino.
Politicians have deprived Mainers of millions of dollars of revenues that have been lost to casinos in Connecticut, Canada, Atlantic City, New Hampshire and Las Vegas.
My position is that Maine must someday (in the very near future) have multiple casinos in several areas.
Connecticut was almost bankrupt until the Indians opened Foxwoods, and now there is another thriving casino only seven miles away at Mohegan Sun.
Casinos saved Connecticut and will definitely assist our financial deficit in Maine, however, the 100-mile monopoly should not be allowed.
By the way, Sugarloaf is doubling its skier capacity.
Proud to be born, educated and raised a Mainer since 1957.
Peter Redman
Old Orchard
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