Let’s stop comparing a casino in Maine to Las Vegas. That’s like comparing a kitten to a lion. Have you ever seen Foxwoods? It’s like a castle that sprouted out of the middle of the forest.

They say Maine will only get a share of the slot machine profits, not the table games. That’s more than Maine is getting now. What other business would give Maine as much income. Let’s say I decide to open a bar. There’d be property tax, state tax and liquor tax. But Maine would not expect to take a percentage of my profit. A casino is a business, too, and will give Maine an estimated $100 million from the slot machines.

They say casinos are only successful if they’re filled with losers.” Sure, sometimes you lose, sometimes you win, just like in bingo or the lottery. That’s why we play – the chance to win. It’s called gambling. If no one ever won, who would go?

Now, people go out of state to casinos. All of that money spent at Foxwoods, Atlantic City or Las Vegas supports other states. Why should Maine lose out?

Some people have gambling addictions. Many more people have alcohol addictions, but there are still bars. Let’s go back to that bar I may open. People can choose to go there, or not. It’s freedom of choice.

Let’s be fair. Allow the casino to be built and let free Americans choose if they want to go there. And let’s keep Maine’s money in Maine.

Jan Bordeau, Mexico

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