MBPN: Passamaquoddy Tribe opposed to casino study bill

Thursday, April 12, 2012  

"Citizen initiatives have become the vehicle of choice for developers seeking to establish casinos in Maine. Now a legislative committee wants a special commission to study the future of gaming in the state before any more casino license applications can be accepted. Supporters say more needs to be known about the state's capacity for gambling businesses and what factors are influencing the revenue potential. But opponents argue the proposed bill is designed to give preference to existing gaming facilities.

Supporters say the amended bill would provide the state with some long-needed statistical data on gambling. But that's not how one tribal lawmaker saw it.

"My opposition to this legislation can be summed up in just one word: Moratorium," said Rep. Madonna Soctomah.

Madonna Soctomah is the Passamaquoddy Tribe's representative to the Legislature. The tribe has been trying to launch various gambling ventures in Washington County for years without success."

Get the Story:
Some Lawmakers Want a Moratorium on New Casinos During Impact Study (Maine Public Broadcasting Network 4/11)

Also Today:
Lawmakers finally seek to steer gambling's future in Maine (The Portland Press Herald 4/12)