No Slots for Scarborough Downs

MAINE – As reported by the Portland Press Herald: "Lawmakers are expected to focus on the regulation of slot machines at Bangor Raceway, and not the possible expansion of slots into southern Maine, when the legislative session opens next month.

"Penn National Gaming and Scarborough Downs said they do not plan to pursue legislation in the session to convert the Downs into a so-called racino, something they tried but failed to do last session.

"Penn National plans to concentrate instead on a bill that would allow regulators, but not the public, to review corporate and personal information submitted to the state as part of the slots licensing process.

"…Gambling in Maine was a hot topic in the last legislative session. Lawmakers wrote regulations in response to a November 2003 referendum that allows slot machines at Maine's two commercial harness racing tracks. Penn National plans to have slots in Bangor by mid-2006. The Downs and Penn National, however, did not win local approval for machines in Scarborough or two nearby communities, and will need new legislation to open another racino.

"…Eric Schippers, vice president of public affairs for Penn National, said the company is concentrating on getting the Bangor racino started. The company received a conditional license in November from the state Gambling Control Board. It cannot operate slot machines, however, until it gives regulators a variety of information about its finances and executives…"