BANGOR, (AP) – State officials Thursday laid out a timetable for implementing a new regulatory process and establishing racino gambling in Bangor.

Under the plan, officials could be prepared to issue a license to a qualified applicant by the end of September.

Between now and then, Maine’s Gambling Control Advisory Council would review material gathered from 14 states and Canada with an eye toward recommending rules and regulations for gambling.

A public hearing on proposed rules and regulations could be held in July.

The timetable envisions the hiring of the first members of a regulatory staff, as well as the finalization of certain rules and regulations, in August.

Maine voters approved slot machines at the state’s harness racing tracks, subject to local approvals, last November. Bangor voters have signed on but communities surrounding the state’s other harness racing track, Scarborough Downs, did not.

On May 6, Gov. John Baldacci signed a so-called racino bill and outlined an executive order to create the gambling control advisory council. A new board will regulate slot machines. The measure also sets a formula under which slot revenues will be distributed.

Named to the advisory council were broadcaster George McHale of Orrington, Bangor lawyer Jean Deighan, former Saco legislator Peter Danton, retired state police officer Larry Hall of Dedham and small businessman Mike Peters of Dixfield.