Racino critic challenges pro-racino ad in Maine

A casino in Biddeford won't attract tourists from "all over the world." It won't even attract tourists from Massachusetts, which just approved four casinos. Like Hollywood Slots in Bangor, a Biddeford casino will just suck money out of the local economy, money that would have been spent at shops, restaurants, retail stores, car dealers. Jobs will suffer and businesses will close. That's what happens when a casino comes to town. Vote NO on Questions 2 & 3.


Racino critic challenges pro-racino ad in Maine
The Associated Press

PORTLAND, Maine

Two anti-casino advocacy groups are challenging the truthfulness of a new TV ad in support of a statewide referendum seeking approval for two racinos in Maine.

The ad features a teacher from Pittsfield who says Question 2 is "great for education" and would provide $30 million for "things like Maine schools."

Casinos No! and the Friends of Oxford Casino say none of the racino money would be earmarked for K-12 education, although some would go toward college scholarships. They call the ad false and deceptive.

Ed MacColl, a Portland lawyer involved in the campaign to build a racino in Biddeford, said the reality is a racino would generate more than $30 million for the state's General Fund, which he said would go toward education and other state programs.


They said a casino in Bangor, Maine would be an "economic engine" for jobs and the economy. Trouble is, they didn't tell us that it would be an engine in reverse.