Bill seeks extra 2 percent of casino dollars

AREA — Senator John Patrick (D-Rumford) has submitted a bill to the state legislature that would seek to carve an additional 2 percent from the Oxford County casino's gaming revenues.

If approved, the money would be used to establish a Casino Remedial Fund, which would be disbursed to a nonprofit corporation that can demonstrate that it has been financially harmed by the operation of a casino.

The non-profit, which is not named, would have to be located within 35 miles of the casino.

Casino opponents have said that the casino's presence would create an added strain on social services by creating more poverty and addiction in the area surrounding the casino.

The bill was tabled on a motion by Sen. Farnham (R-Penobscot County) on March 3.

It is cosponsored by Sen. Jackson (D-Aroostook) and Rep. Peterson (D-Rumford).

Currently, the casino is slated to hand over 46 percent of slot machine revenues, and 16 percent of table game revenues, to the state. The monies will be distributed to various parties, including the town in which the casino is located, Native American tribes, and schools around the state.