A new casino in York County could be granted permission to open in a town that accepts to accommodate it following a citizen petition deposited by the Harness Racing Jobs Fairness LLC group.
According to the initiative, 10% of the net income generated by slot machines and 9% respectively from table games will form a contribution to the Maine Department of Education. However, opponents of the casino project are worried that another 10% of net slot income would be directed towards the harness racing industry.
Interested Las Vegas casino developer Shawn Scott may be granted the right to a new casino operator license if a referendum is held in Maine.
As far as the town of Kittery is concerned, it contains provisions in its charter banning the establishment of a casino.
According to the Office of the Maine Attorney General, a willing town would either approve a casino by a public referendum or vote by a town’s municipal officers.
There are also fears that with a new casino, New England might become too populated by gaming establishments. Concerns regarding the spillover costs of casinos affecting neighboring towns have also been voiced.