In 2003, voters authorized the Hollywood Casino in Bangor, Maine, while rejecting a gaming facility for tribes. Photo from Facebook
Lawmakers in Maine have introduced a slew of gaming bills, including two that would benefit tribes. LD 1066 authorizes the state to license a casino with 350 slot machines for the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians. The project would be subject to a vote in Aroostook County. LD 762 authorizes the Penobscot Nation to operate electronic Class II gaming machines. The tribe is currently restricted to paper bingo. Tribal casinos historically have not received favorable receptions among lawmakers and voters. But tribes hope this year will be different because a report commissioned by the Legislature suggests there is room in the state for more gaming facilities. Some Maine tribes are in a unique situation because they fall under land claim settlements that subject their reservations to state law. As a result, they cannot follow the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. Get the Story:
Maine lawmakers push for more casinos (The Bangor Daily News 4/28)
Bill Would Allow Aroostook County Casino (Maine Public Broadcasting Network 4/27)
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