Racino Licenses Delayed

MAINE – As reported by Portland Press Herald: "Penn National Gaming wants to ensure gambling regulators keep trade secrets and certain personal information of executives confidential as part of its application to become Maine's first racino operator.

"The issue of who can look at executives' bank statements, Social Security numbers and other financial information has slowed the company's application for the two state licenses needed to install 1,500 slot machines at Bangor Raceway.

"The licenses are a major step for the multimillion dollar project that has drawn both local and statewide attention. The slots will inject money into the Maine's struggling harness racing industry, the city of Bangor and new state funds for college scholarships and health care.

"The delay is frustrating for people like Bill Hathaway of the Maine Harness Horseman's Association. The state had set a deadline of Sept. 30 to issue a license to operate slots, so the wait concerns Hathaway and other horsemen and women counting on the new slot revenue…"