Casino Won't Deliver Promises

Former Gov. Angus King urges voters to reject Maine casino referendum

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) - Former Gov. Angus King is urging voters to reject an Election Day referendum calling for a casino in western Maine.

King, who has long advocated against casinos and slot machines, said casinos "sell dreams, and turn lives into nightmares" by leading to addiction, lost jobs, broken families and even suicide. His comments appeared Wednesday on the website of the anti-casino group, CasinosNo!

Black Bear Entertainment LLC is proposing to build a $165 million four-season resort and casino in the town of Oxford. Backers say the project would support thousands of jobs, pump millions of dollars into the economy and generate $60 million a year in tax revenues.

King said a casino won't create the jobs and revenues its promoters are promising, but will harm Maine's image.