The Legislature may overturn the governor’s decision.

PORTLAND (AP) – Maine Gov. John Baldacci said he’ll veto a proposal to expand slot machines into off-track betting parlors.

Baldacci met with racino supporters Thursday to listen to their concerns.

But he said afterward that it doesn’t change his opposition to slots.

“I still intend to veto the bill,” he said.

The proposal to allow slots at OTB parlors was supported by the harness racing industry and was approved by legislators in June. It would allow up to 200 slot machines at most OTB parlors, and more at those owned by commercial racetracks.

A share of the gross profits would go to the state, harness racing programs, agricultural fairs and commercial tracks.

Baldacci has said all along that he would veto the bill, but he has to wait for the Legislature to reconvene so lawmakers could have an opportunity to try to override the veto, his spokesman, Lee Umphrey, said Friday.

Off-track betting parlors have kept the harness racing industry on life support, but slot machines are seen as the key to survival.

There are five off-track betting parlors in the state – in Sanford, Scarborough, Brunswick, Lewiston, Bangor and Waterville.

Peter Martin, owner of John Martin’s Manor in Waterville, said he hopes members of the industry can convince Baldacci and the Legislature to incorporate provisions in the bill with the recently-adopted racino legislation.

For instance, the OTB bill gives the Department of Safety enforcement over the slot machines. The racino bill puts that responsibility in the hands of the state harness racing commission. “I think it’s going to be a process that evolves over the next month or two – looking at two pieces of legislation, and how they can work together,” he said.

But Baldacci is considering the formation of a gambling commission, to oversee regulation of slot machines at the racetracks.

“The legislation we do need is to establish a gambling commission with the regulatory oversight, and work in conjunction with the Maine Harness Racing Commission, to make sure we have the best protections against organized crime and corruption,” he said.

AP-ES-11-14-03 0949EST