Yesterday legislators in Maine passed a bill that would permit slot machines at the Penobscot Indian Nation gambling facility. The House voted 101-42 in favour of the measure and the bill will now go before the Senate. Governor John Baldacci, an opponent of slot machine expansion, has promised to veto the bill. In order to be approved the bill would then need a two-thirds vote in both the House and the Senate to override the veto.

The Penobscot originally proposed operating 400 slot machines at the Penobscot High Stakes Bingo, which was established in 1973 as one of the first Native American gambling enterprises. However, the bill was amended to allow 100 machines that are to be in operation only when there are high-stakes beano (bingo) events. Penobscot Nation Chief Kirk Francis commented that the tribe knew the amendment would be made and, given the political climate, was trying to be reasonable.

"We could have opposed the amendment and been stubborn and gotten nothing, or moved forward and showed that we can compromise," Francis said. "The way we feel here is any gaming rights we get back is certainly a step in the right direction." A separate proposal to allow a casino in Oxford County is due to be heard. (E-04.02.08)

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