Maine Casinos & Gambling
Maine Gambling :: Maine Casinos :: Maine Casino
There are currently no traditional casinos in Maine. There are, however, horse racing and slots terminals combined to become a ?Racino?.
The term ?Racino? is a conjunction of ?race track and casino?. Simply put, it is where slot machines (and in some cases, table games like blackjack and poker) are found inside horse race tracks. The only county in Maine where this type of gaming activity is allowed is in Bangor. Hollywood Slots & Bangor Raceway/OTB, located at Bass Park has conducted harness racing since 1893. In November 2004, the state of Maine approved a law (LD 1573) that allowed up to 1,500 slot terminals in this raceway. A conditional license to operate slots here was awarded to its owners, and at present, there are about 475 slot machines in operation.
In the last two years, casino and gambling in the state of Maine has unfolded a series of dramatic events, as opposing groups debate over an expanded gaming bill to include Racinos in Maine?s other counties following Bangor?s raceway.
Indian tribes have, for several years, pushed for a Racino in Washington County, one of the most depressed areas in Maine. Their current proposal intends to put 1,500 slot machines terminals here, also combined with off-track betting and harness racing.
In line with the expanded gaming proposal, lawmakers are also pushing for a revision of the state?s gaming laws so that local groups and Indian tribes will be able to organize Texas Hold?em tournaments. This is a poker game that has become widely popular all over the United States and current Maine gambling laws prohibit non-profit groups from taking part in this craze.
Additionally, there are also proposals to allow video gambling for non-profit groups. While many of these games already exist in Maine, state laws disallow giving out huge amount of prizes and the only consolation players win is a free turn at another round of games.
Other gaming restrictions are also being proposed, such as:
a $300 limit to how much a player loses at slot machines within a 24-hour period
1 a.m. closing time for a racino.
Other Gaming Activities
The state of Maine upholds legalized lottery games dating back as far as 1974. Proceeds of this activity go to the general state fund supporting 250 statewide programs. Historians believed that lottery games in Maine began in the early 1800s and while it was not legal then, many of the structures seen in Maine today were constructed out of lottery money.
After the Civil War, horse racing became a popular activity, as it is today, and betting during those times was already a favorite pastime among farmers. In 1935, Maine allowed pari-mutuel betting on racetracks and in 1983, the state approved licenses for off-track betting parlors statewide.
Maine Lodging Info
Four Points Sheraton Hotel
With restaurants, outdoor pool, and game room
Contact: (800) 228-4609 (toll free phone)
Website: http://www.bangorsheraton.com
Best Inn Bangor
Well-located near Bangor attractions
Contact: (800) best inn (toll free phone)
Website: http://www.bestinn.com
Holiday Inn, Odlin Road
With arcades, mini-golf, bowling and sports arena
Contact: 18009140101 (toll free phone)
Website: http://www.holiday-inn.com/bangor-odlin
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