Indian Island Slots Measure Faces Further Voting

The Penobscot Tribal Nation is seeking support from both the house and senate to bring 400 slot machines to its High Stakes Bingo parlor on Indian Island. The tribe requested putting slots in its parlor because it has been losing money since Hollywood Slots opened in Bangor.

A preliminary 101-to-38 House vote meets the two-thirds threshold that would be needed to override a gubernatorial veto. But a 20 to 15 Senate vote, while enough to advance the bill, falls short of the supermajority that would be needed to override a threatened veto.

The revenue from High Stakes Bingo helps pay for the tribes fire department and human services. Tribal representatives say having slot machines would give them a fair chance to compete for gambling business.

"This is something we had in the past. We had an economic tool, it worked very well for us. Now that it's legal we're saying give us back our tool, our economic tool," said Donna Loring, Penobscot Nation representative to the legislature.

Opponents say slot machines were only approved in Maine when used alongside harness racing. They say if the Penobscot Nation starts using slots it will only move where money is spent, not help improve the economy.