Maine: Joining the Race to the Bottom?

Lewiston casino backers ask voters for a chance
By Susan M. Cover
MaineToday Media State House Writer

Dennis Bailey, spokesman for CasinosNo!, one of four groups that are opposing the gambling questions on the ballot, said voters should not buy into the argument that a casino will save downtown Lewiston.

"Atlantic City was a slum," he said. "They brought in casinos and it's still a slum. Other businesses are likely to fail, because people will spend their money at the casino instead of on Main Street."

Gambling opponents have argued in recent weeks that the state is on the verge of a significant expansion of gaming.

Besides the Nov. 8 ballot questions, a casino in Oxford County is scheduled to open in the spring, and Hollywood Slots in Bangor will ask Penobscot County voters next month to allow it to add table games.


Posted comment that says it all:

Lewiston has worked so hard to attract new businesses and has done so much to improve the image of the city - this would bring back more of the elements the city has been trying for 30 years to drive out. Nevada is broke, Atlantic City is struggling, and CT casinos are talking hundreds more layoffs. This is not a sustainable plan for Maine. Casinos in surrounding states have larger population centers. We should preserve what makes us unique, not jump into a polluted hot-tub with the rest of New England.