Penobscot Tribe Trying for Slot Machines

The Penobscot Tribal Nation has been trying to get the state of Maine to approve slot machines for them as they have been suffering since Bangor got a casino. The state voted in slot machines at the Hollywood Slots casino in Bangor, but has thwarted all attempts by the tribe to get equal justice.

The tribe was doing well for itself, able to support their people, with the bingo games that they offered. Now, however, they are losing money hand over fist because they cannot compete with Class III slot machines, which is what the casino can offer.

The House voted 101-38, and the Senate voted 20-15. The problem is the governor has already said that no matter what the vote he would veto slot machines at the tribal casino. The house vote has met the 2/3rd threshold that the tribe needs to override the governor, but the Senate does not.

The tribe says that they need the slot machines to compete for the revenue, as the money pays for their fire department and human services. But they cannot compete on a playing ground that is not level. They aren’t really asking for much, just the ability to compete, which was taken away from them with the Bangor slot machine allowance.

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