Legislation

Tribes lose out as Maine Senate rejects six gaming measures

Thursday, March 20, 2014

The Maine Senate effectively killed six gaming bills on Wednesday, including three that would have benefited tribes.

The Passamaquoddy Tribe (Indian Township and Pleasant Point), the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, the Penobscot Nation and the Aroostook Band of Micmacs were hopeful after the House passed bills authorizing casinos and electronic gaming. But the Senate indefinitely postponed action on three tribal bills, meaning it's not likely they will pass this session.

"It hurts," Pleasant Point Chief Clayton Cleaves told WLBZ. "Those who voted against this bill tonight are those people who addicted to race, color, and creed."

Tribes have repeatedly sought approval to open casinos or expand operations on their reservations. But they have had little success at the state House and at the ballot box even as voters approved non-Indian facilities.

The tribe must go through state law due to provisions in their land claim settlement acts.

Get the Story:
Tribes call foul over Senate vote spree against statewide gaming measures (The Bangor Daily News 3/20)
Maine Senate rejects efforts to expand gambling (AP 3/20)
Maine Senate debates casino bills (WLBZ 3/19)