Maine Senate approves racino bill for Passamaquoddy Tribe

Friday, June 10, 2011  

The Maine Senate approved a bill to authorize a racetrack with slot machines for the Passamaquoddy Tribe at Indian Township.

LD 1203 authorizes up to 1,500 slot machines at two racinos. The tribe's facility would be located in Washington County.

"Imagine the indignity of being told by the people in this building that we don't have a right to determine our own economic future," Senate President Kevin Raye (R) said during debate, MaineToday Media reported.

The Senate, however, voted to send a bill for a different racino directly to voters. Gov. Paul LePage (R) has threatened to veto both bills.

Get the Story:
Senate splits on citizen-initiated gaming proposals (MaineToday Media 6/10)
'Thrown under the bus': Senate rejects Lewiston casino, approves Biddeford (The Lewiston Sun Journal 6/9)

Related Stories:
Maine House passes bill for Passamaquoddy Tribe's racino (6/7)
MPBN: Bills for expanded gaming in Maine headed to debate (5/9)
Passamaquoddy Tribe testifies for bill to authorize racino (4/26)
Editorial: Establish a consistent gambling policy in Maine (4/25)