Maine gaming board member resigns

AUGUSTA, Maine – As reported by the Maine Sun Journal: "A Dixfield resident and member of the Maine Gambling Control Board has resigned and is speaking out against proposals to expand the number of slot machines in Maine.

"In his resignation letter to Gov. John Baldacci, Mike Peters said the state must do all it can to stop the spread of gambling.

"…Lawmakers this month gave approval to a proposal to allow the Passamaquoddy Tribe to build and operate a harness racing track and resort with slot machines in Washington County. If Baldacci vetoes the bill as expected, Mainers would vote on the measure in a statewide referendum in November.

"The Penobscot Indian Nation is also seeking to have lawmakers allow it to operate 400 slot machines during high-stakes bingo games on the Penobscot reservation.

"… Peters, who was appointed to the five-member gambling board in August 2004, wrote that he expects other board members to resign…"