Passamaquoddy Tribe seeks change in state law for racino project

Thursday, November 4, 2010  

The Passamaquoddy Tribe of Maine wants to open a casino in partnership with a racetrack but the racino won't be possible without a change in state law.

In 2003, voters approved a referendum that allows racetracks to operate slot machines. But the law required racetracks to obtain local approval by December 31, 2003.

The law also allowed racetracks to move within five miles of their current location. Both provisions would have to be changed if the tribe wanted to operate the proposed racino in Washington County.

Additionally, the project has another hurdle to pass. On Tuesday, voters approved Question 1 to authorize a gaming facility in Oxford County.

The referendum bars other gaming facilities within 100 miles so the tribe would need an exception for its racino.

Get the Story:
A tribal racino too? (The Portland Press Herald 11/4)
Oxford casino passes by paper-thin margin (The Bangor Daily News 11/3)

Related Stories:
Signatures being gathered for Passamaquoddy Tribe gaming plan (11/3)