Maine tribes take another shot at referendum on casino

Tuesday, March 2, 2010  

Three Maine tribes are hoping the third time's a charm when it comes to a casino.

The Penobscot Nation, the Passamaquoddy Tribe at Pleasant Point and the Passamaquoddy Tribe at Indian Township want voters to approve a casino in their county. Two prior efforts failed.

"We're doing this to be able to bring better to the people of Washington County and to the tribes, and address some of the issues of the state, and we're the original ones to go for gaming and we're going to continue until we succeed, Passamaquoddy Gov. William Nicholas told Maine Public Broadcasting Network.

The tribes are on the ballot with Black Bear Entertainment, whose plans call for a casino in Oxford County. A spokesperson thinks voters won't support either proposal.

"If any competing measure comes out against Oxford County, generally what the public will do is they'll split the vote and they'll be handing this victory to anybody on the 'no' side," Black Bear spokesman Peter Martin told MPBN.

Get the Story:
Tribes Propose Another Casino in Calais (Maine Public Broadcasting Network 3/1)