Bangor Raceway prepares for installation of new slot machines.

BANGOR (AP) – Operators of the Bangor Raceway on Tuesday opened up the refurbished grandstands for inspection after a $575,000 overhaul in anticipation of the arrival of slot machines.

The walls have a fresh coat of paint, there’s new carpeting and the roof has been sealed. Contractors made changes to open up the space, and cashier windows have been installed.

All that’s needed now are slot machines, operators said.

“They were able to stop a leaky roof. There’s beautiful new carpet. The restrooms have been renovated. So it’s quite a transformation,” said Christen Graham, spokeswoman for Las Vegas developer Shawn Scott.

An occupancy permit is expected to be granted by Friday, said Charles McCallion, a liaison between contractor Cianbro and Bangor Historic Track, which operates harness-racing at the track.

Scott, who now owns Bangor Historic Track, has delayed the opening of his racetrack casino until Feb. 23 at the request of Gov. John Baldacci.

The developer has maintained that the law allowing slot machines should take effect Jan. 3. But Baldacci asserted that the law should not become operative until 45 days after the Legislature convenes.

The law goes into effect on Feb. 21 and Scott is allowing two days for the transport and installation of the slot machines, Garham said.

Scott and his company, Capital Seven LLC, organized and paid for a successful, $1.5 million state referendum campaign to allow slot machines at the state’s two commercial racetracks.

The Maine Harness Racing Commission is set to resume a hearing later this week on Scott’s request for a racing license.

Under the new law, those licensed to operate the tracks are automatically granted licenses to operate slot machines at the tracks.

But the governor and state lawmakers have served notice that he intends to change the law.

The proposed changes include establishing a licensing criteria for slot machines, capping the number at 1,500 per track, and creating a five-member Gambling Control Board.

AP-ES-01-06-04 1454EST