This is in support of LD 1111, “An Act to Allow Maine’s Harness Racing Industry to Compete with Casino Gaming,” facing action soon in the Maine Legislature.
Whether in favor or opposed to gambling, the revenue to the state is not insignificant. In these cash-strapped times, more would probably be better.
The Scarborough Downs’ interests are confident that much money would be bet at a southern, coastal, resort area in Maine. As pointed out in a Sun Journal article recently, the main opposition comes from those already holding gaming licenses.
Despite their cries of outrage, we are sure the experts at Churchill Downs and Penn National had weighed in the possibility of competition before they bought in. Their stockholders will survive.
But Maine harness racing may not if it is not allowed to compete.
Disallowing a racino in Southern Maine to protect the out-of-state interests from competition from a Maine-owned company would cost Maine millions in lost revenue, from the licensing fees to the percentage on wagered money.
The Maine interests of the existing casinos immediately took the lump sum payment and are no longer a concern.
Allowing competition will make Mainers money.
Luke and Patricia Varnum, Greene
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