New types of gambling are constantly being introduced into the state without problems.

Racino? It really started in the late 1980s as the Maine harness racing industry looked at itself and didn’t like what it saw ahead.

Declining revenues, a racetrack closing, many agricultural fairs struggling. The industry was on the ropes, and thousands of Maine men and women’s livelihoods were nearing the finish line.

Three options were discussed. First, expand or contract the number of race days or dashes. Second, offer new products such as the video lottery terminals (slot machines) under discussion in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Third, expand Maine’s harness racing through technology and the spirit of private enterprise at Maine owned and operated facilities.

Born was off-track betting. The legislation was drafted and then supported by the entire industry. This new initiative promoted the industry in a positive light, increased the products available and the geographic marketplace, provided for capital improvements, increased investment in horse stock and increased purses to support the hardworking horsemen and women of Maine. It was a sensible and statewide solution resulting in the total amount of wagers increasing many times over, new jobs, increased state revenue and, yes, survival.

Enter 2003. The harness racing industry needs to identify and promote new products and services as does any business – just like the lottery needs new games and scratch tickets seemingly monthly. The state of Maine introduces new forms of gambling on a regular basis.

The Maine harness and OTB industries have identified, and wish to promote and offer, something new in response to market requirements and their customer demands. These are the people who support Maine’s harness racing industry. Scarborough Downs, under Maine ownership, has shown decades of financial, legislative and regulatory support and leadership to Maine’s harness racing industry. Penn National Gaming has been a longstanding part of Maine harness racing for over a decade. Penn was one “of the first out of the gate” supplying simulcast signals to Maine’s commercial tracks and OTBs.

Now Penn and Scarborough Downs want the Racino strategy for all Mainers. Residents voted for it, and they deserve it – and not just in Bangor.

Finally, perhaps a Department of Special Revenue should oversee and regulate the wagering business. It works very well in Connecticut where parimutuel, lottery and the largest casino in the world certainly seem follow the financial rules quite well and generate real revenue to the tune of $600 million per year for the state.

A similar group of Maine financial professionals could implement appropriate procedures and controls to ensure compliance with the laws and regulations. This would allow the departments of Agriculture, Human Resources, Public Safety and the governor’s office to do what they do best – serve the people of Maine.

Gregg E. Batterson and the late Dana Childs were the two principal authors of the original Maine OTB legislation. Batterson lives in Lewiston.