Supporters of a new land based casino in the state of Maine predict that the establishment could lead to thousands of new jobs and contribute literally millions of tax dollars to the state. Efforts are increasing to have a casino build in the York County section of the northernmost state in the US.
Progress for Maine, a pro-casino group, commissioned a study to evaluate the impact that a new casino would have on the local economy.
The Florida-based consulting firm Evans, Carroll & Associates which undertook the study, predicted that the casino would generate over 2,700 construction jobs and over 2,100 permanent jobs. At least $45 million in tax revenue would also be generated.
Progress for Maine also said that a new casino could contribute $11 million to the Pine Tree State’s public schools.
“Maine residents and families consistently cite public education and its funding among their top priorities and concerns, and we are hearing from more and more voters every day,” said a spokesperson for Progress for Maine, Rebecca Foster.
In the coming November referendums, Maine residents will be given the opportunity to vote on whether or not they want to have a casino built in York County.
According to Foster: “Maine can help a lot of school districts and a lot of students with $11 million a year in new funding. This is the kind of thing that really will create Progress for Maine, and I am urging everyone I can to vote ‘Yes’ on Question 1.”
If voters across the state approve a York County casino in the November referendum, it will allow one specific person the right to hold the casino license. It is estimated that this license could be worth as much as $200 million. The controversial businessman Shawn Scott (or his company) will be granted the right to built a casino in any York County community that approves the idea.
Late last month, Shawn Scott’s sister, Lisa announced that she was stepping down from the campaign that she headed to push for a York County casino. She said that she was moving away from her involvement in the campaign “given that it appears my past involvement has become a distraction from the real issue at hand: Construction of a facility that will provide the residents of Maine with new economic growth, jobs, and funding for K-12 education and other vital programs.”
