BANGOR (AP) – A proposal to allow a gaming and entertainment complex at Bass Park was winning support from voters Tuesday in early counting of the ballots.

With votes counted in two of the city’s nine precincts, 59 percent of the voter favored a measure to allow slot machines at a “racino,” while 41 percent opposed it. Approval of the proposal is a necessary step for a gaming and entertainment complex at Bass Park.

The proposed “racino,” industry jargon for a racetrack with slot machines, has been promoted by Nevada businessman Shawn Scott as a way to provide an economic boost while bolstering the struggling sport of harness racing.

A study commissioned by the project’s backers found that the racino could generate as much as $75.3 million in annual revenue and an additional $95.6 million in local sales revenue. It also found that the racino would create 314 onsite jobs, with a projected payroll of $5.3 million.

If approved by city voters, Scott’s company, Capital Seven LLC, would have to receive a state license and strike a development deal with the city. Also, voters statewide would have to grant their approval on Nov. 4.

A proposal by two Indian tribes to build a $650 million casino in York County will be on the November ballot, as well.

AP-ES-06-10-03 2220EDT