Passamaquoddy Tribe pushes ballot initiative on casino

Friday, March 19, 2010  

The Passamaquoddy Tribe of Maine will continue to push a casino ballot initiative even after lawmakers on a key committee voted against the idea.

The tribe reached a deal with Black Bear Entertainment and Penn National Gaming to put three gaming projects on the November ballot. But the Legislature's Legal and Veterans’ Affairs Committee voted 9-4 to recommend against approval of the initiative.

The tribe still hopes the full Legislature will endorse the proposal. It would authorize slot machines and table games at a tribal facility in Washington County, a Black Bear resort casino in Oxford County and table games at Hollywood Slots Hotel and Raceway, owned by Penn National.

In the past, state voters have rejected casinos for the Passamaquoddy Tribe at Pleasant Point and the Passamaquoddy Tribe at Indian Township.

Get the Story:
Gaming pact lacks committee support (The Bangor Daily News 3/19)

Earlier Story:
Passamaquoddy Tribe reaches deal over gaming ballot (3/18)