Maine's First Gaming Board Director Sets Goals

AUGUSTA, Maine – As reported by the Bangor Daily News: "The Maine Gambling Control Board's first executive director has set honesty and integrity among his top priorities for the racetrack casino headed for Bass Park. 'The bottom line is that we don't want people associated with the racino if they're not honest,' Robert Welch said last week in an interview.

"…'We're not pro-gambling any more than we're anti-gambling,' Welch said.

"Rather, as Welch sees it, his role -- and that of the state's five-member Gambling Control Board -- is to regulate the racino and administer the state slots law authorized by Maine voters in November 2003.

"…Though Welch knew he would be drawing heavily on his backgrounds in law enforcement and finance when he accepted the post, which pays $60,652 plus benefits, he said that the job has involved much more than he expected.

"…If all goes according to plan, Penn National Gaming Inc. will break ground this spring on a $75 million racetrack casino in Bangor, the only community in the state that received the needed state and local approval…"