In 2003, voters authorized the Hollywood Casino in Bangor, Maine, while rejecting a gaming facility for tribes. Photo from Facebook
With a proposal for a casino in northern Maine, the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians hopes to avoid pitfalls that doomed other tribal projects. LD 1066 authorizes the state to license a casino with 350 slot machines to the tribe. But instead of putting the issue to a statewide referendum, the bill only calls for approval by voters in Aroostook County. "We believe a state wide referendum would be a detriment to the process due to the lack of familiarity in Southern Maine of the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians and the whole area," said Chief Brenda Commander told WCSH. History backs the chief's concerns -- in 2003, voters approved a non-Indian casino while rejecting a tribal project. Two more recent tribal bids have been dealt similar blows on statewide ballots Maine is home to two non-Indian casinos in the central and southern parts of the state. A report commissioned by the Legislature last year suggested a northern casino could successfully enter the market. The report also suggested a tribal preference for a northern casino due to the unique legal situation in the state. The Houlton Band and other tribes cannot follow the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act because they fall under land claim settlements that place certain reservations under state law. Get the Story:
Maliseet tribe pushes for casino in Aroostook County (WSCH 4/8)
Related Stories
Lawmaker
from Houlton Band introduces bill to authorize casino (4/8) Maine tribes hopeful for casino as lawmakers examine new study (09/11)
Report suggests path for a tribal gaming facility in northern Maine (9/3)
Opinion: Don't bet on gambling to fix state's budget problems (07/11)
Opinion: Denial of gaming to Maine tribes a fundamental injustice (04/14)
Maine tribes seek inclusion in bill to study expansion of gaming (04/11)
Join the Conversation
