Native American casinos in Maine took a step toward realization when the lower house of the Legislature rescued pro-casino bills from seeming death in the Veterans & Legal Affairs 
Committee. The legislation “would allow the Passamaquoddy Tribe to build a casino in Washington County and the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians to operate one in Aroostook County.” There were valid points to be made on both sides of the debate. As state Rep. Madonna Soctomah, whose constituency includes the Passamaquoddy Tribe and has been advocating tribal gaming for two decades, argued, tribes have been held to a different standard than private-sector casino developers. But there was also truth in Rep. Louis Luchini‘s characterization of the legislation as “are a continuation of our state’s fragmented and disorganized approach to gaming policy.”
For perhaps the first time ever, Penn National Gaming and Churchill Downs (each of which owns a Maine casino) found themselvesin common cause, opposing the expansion of gambling to tribal lands. Replied Soctomah, “We only ask that we be given the same opportunity.”
In related business, the House kept alive a bill to transform Scarborough Downs into a racino, pending local approval. “”If we continue to say ‘yes’ to jobs — but ‘not those jobs’ — we continue to show businesses around the country that we might like jobs, but not like theirs,” said Rep. Wayne Parry (right) of the pro-slots measure. Scarborough Downs President Sharon Terry characterized the bill as a life-or-death measure for the harness-racing track. It would sidestep the requirement of a statewide referendum — but would also conflict with existing law that requires 100 miles of separation between existing casinos. Scarborough voters have a decade-long history of voting down slots.
In Wisconsin, the Oneida Tribe of Indians says it’s on track with its biggest-ever expansion of Oneida Bingo & Casino, in Ashwaubenon, which opened in 1993. Changes include a new, smoke-free area for players, an exhibit of Oneida tribal culture, and new food and beverage amenities that encompass a Vince Lombardi’s Sports Bar & Grill, which will have Lombardi memorabilia on display.
Local officials have been rather careless in California, it seems. Mitigation funds to offset the impact of tribal casinos, bestowed by the Legislature, are not being properly disbursed, the state auditor’s office reports. The latter is recommending the formation of an oversight agency to hold localities’ hands.
Penn National Gaming is wasting no time getting on with its slot parlor in Plainville, Massachusetts. The first permit has already been pulled. Meanwhile, nearby Raynham Park — which never represented a serious threat — faces a cloudy future.
