Gambling board poised to OK Sunday gaming
1/15/09 | 45 comments

Gambling board poised to OK Sunday gaming


By Eric Russell
BDN Staff

AUGUSTA, Maine — Maine’s Gambling Control Board is expected to approve a request from Penn National Gaming Inc. to allow Sunday morning hours at Bangor’s Hollywood Slots Hotel and Raceway despite the protestations of some local clergy members.

At a meeting Wednesday in Augusta, board members discussed the schedule change that was first brought to them by Penn National last October. Although they did not vote, all four board members agreed that there is no basis to deny the request.

“We came to the decision that there was no overriding harm that would be done by allowing expansion,” said chairman George McHale.

An official decision will be made at the gambling board’s next meeting on Feb. 11.

The Rev. Jerry Mick, pastor of Bangor Baptist Church and president of the Maine Family Policy Council, had led a group of opponents against the proposal, claiming that Sunday morning hours infringed on a sacred time for families.

“It’s disappointing, but I’ve come to the point in my life where there isn’t anything that upsets me,” he said. “It’s a money issue and we understand, but we feel that this isn’t good for Bangor.”

Penn National, the Pennsylvania company that owns and operates Maine’s only gaming facility, asked the Maine Gambling Control Board late last year to allow Hollywood Slots to open at 8 a.m. Sundays instead of noon. It claimed that those four weekend morning hours could generate as much as $1 million in revenue for the state.

Currently, Hollywood Slots opens at 8 a.m. every day except Sunday. Late last year, Penn National agreed to alter its Monday through Saturday hours from 8 a.m. to 4 a.m. to save money. Now the facility closes at 1 a.m. Monday through Thursday and 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday.

Aside from the financial considerations, Hollywood Slots General Manager Jon Johnson said the main reason for allowing Sunday morning hours was to accommodate guests who were staying in the hotel.

Dennis Bailey, executive director of CasinosNO!, a state lobbying group that opposes gambling, shared Mick’s disappointment in the board’s expected decision.

“I think it’s a wrong time for them to be expanding hours,” Bailey said, referring to a decrease in revenue from gambling companies nationwide. “I’m not sure it will make much of a difference.”

Before Wednesday’s discussion, gambling control board members were presented with the latest grim revenue figures from Hollywood Slots, which indicated about $44 million was generated in December. While that number is about $4 million higher than December 2007, Bailey pointed out that the 2007 total was when Holly-wood Slots operated at its temporary and much smaller facility.

He also noted that net revenues from Hollywood Slots, or the amount leftover after player payouts, have dropped from $6.3 million last July to $3.5 million last month.

While Bailey said the numbers are an ominous sign that Hollywood Slots does not have long-term viability, McHale countered that all industries are struggling right now.

Mick said he’s concerned that the poor economy is going to send more people to gambling facilities.

“During a recession, people look to make money quick,” he said. “These extra hours could only make matters worse.”

Even if that’s true, McHale said the economic considerations for increasing hours far outweighed any moral concerns by the religious community.

“There was no support for declaring [Sunday] a special day, that’s not government’s job,” he said. “I appreciate what the ministers were saying, but their argument was basically that they didn’t like gambling and that they wanted to declare Sunday a special day.”

Mick, however, argued that government already calls some religious days special, specifically Christmas and Easter. Incidentally, those are the only two days of the year that Hollywood Slots is not open. Why not Sunday, Mick said.

“They are not being honest,” the pastor said of gambling control board members. “Whether people buy into it or not, we are mostly a Christian nation.”

erussell@bangordailynews.net

990-8167

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Comments
45 comments on this item
On 1/15/09 at 1:25 AM, NotNaive wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

I'm not sure if this is accurate or not... and perhaps someone can definitively answer this question for me... Does Dennis Bailey and CasinosNO accept money from Foxwoods and other casinos to fund the "cause" and prevent the opening of a full-fledged casino in Maine... and any competition that would come with a new casino?

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On 1/15/09 at 4:10 AM, fredrogers wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

CasinosNo is just an easy way for people to gamble their paranonia away.

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On 1/15/09 at 7:14 AM, Bangorian wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

We're definately going to see scripture references on this one. I say it's fine for people to gamble on Sunday. It's no different than any other day (unless we allow our religous neighbors to impose their beliefs on us).

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On 1/15/09 at 7:51 AM, NochigahnehAlnabeh wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Forget about Sunday. It will cost more for them to open Sunday morning then they will make. Hollywood Slots is going to close due to lack of revenue. Did you see their income for December? It was the third worse month for 2008. That was with a 1000 machines versus 400 pre July. They are choiking to death on debt and overhead. As a publically traded company they have certain financial thresholds they must meet. They are terminal folks.

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On 1/15/09 at 8:11 AM, Marrin wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

In this economy, how can folks take any money and squander it away at Hollywood Slots...............I don't have figures for what the odds are of winning "The Big One", but undoubtedly they are a long shot! The gambling epidemic just baffles me and it has NOTHING to do with the day of the week.

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On 1/15/09 at 8:17 AM, PabMainer wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Marrin, excellent comments!

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On 1/15/09 at 8:23 AM, rexhoward wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

I believe that Hollywood slots was a disaster from its inception. Every time I drive down I-395 and see that raunchy "Hollywood" sign lit up I throw up just a bit in my mouth thinking about how many families have been broken up because of a desperate father or mother that goes in there and tries to fix their life on some slot machine. I know of two such families along with three individuals who have developed a gambling problem because of this facility. I personally do not gamble and have never stepped foot in that facility but I am sure those who do know of far more people whose lives have been negatively affected by Hollywood slots in Bangor. (Just my personal opinion based on my observations)

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On 1/15/09 at 8:34 AM, Bangorian wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Hey BDN - how about a little investigative reporting on the assertion made by Noc? Is the casino in financial trouble?

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On 1/15/09 at 9:01 AM, NochigahnehAlnabeh wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Another isse that I have heard from highly experienced slot macine players is the machines are set below the legal limit for payout. The minimum payout is 89%. These people say many of the machines will take a couple of hundred dollars and pay out very little. Of course it is doubtful you would want George McHale investigating since he is Hollywood Slots biggest cheerleader even though the gambling control board is suppose to be neutral. Just read the article; he's their spokesperson. Not to mention that he does his radio talk show out of Hollywood Slots Studios. No conflict of interest there hey folks? Oh, how about the control board's Executive Director Bob Welch coming to Augusta with Hollywood Slots executives in tow to testify against other gaming bills. I was there for that one. As a state regulatory board taking a position on pending legislation? You wouldn't see that in any other state, they would be run out of town on a rail. BUT, the governor's home town needs protecting and afterall, who appointed these folks to the gambling control board....Get my drift? Only in Maine! So BDN, investigate for the people, wadaya say?! I dare yah!

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On 1/15/09 at 9:05 AM, LincolnMOM wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

It is a very enjoyable place, I know people who go there just for the buffet, which is wonderful and affordable. I know people who go to get away from everyday mundane life to have a fun night out with friends and get to listen to live music, have a few drinks and play the machines a little. It doesnt mean they are ruining their lives. Some people take evrything to the extreme and just becasue you may not be able to afford to go or do not care to go thats fine, but there are people who enjoy this place very much. The day I went there were alot of older people who otherwise would be sitting at home alone, it is good to get out in the bleak long winter, there isn't a whole lot to do for some people. It doesnt mean they are there everyday addicted and spending their life savings! I get bummed from comments from people like rexhoward at 8:23 am who has never even been there!!!! I was skeptical at first but had a GREAT time, and I even won! This person wrote based on their observations????well you can't assume, and if people couldn't afford to go there they shouldn't. I will go again probably not on Sunday am...unless I buzz down after church... :)

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On 1/15/09 at 9:15 AM, Richard28 wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

highly experienced slot machine players.....LMAO....yah ok..the machines are set to pay out at 92-94%.....thats a fact....

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On 1/15/09 at 9:24 AM, mainah_mom wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

oh you sinners. lincoln mom don't you know that gambling is bad. bad. bad. bad. where are all the bible quotes people.

hey pab you are back!

i like to sin....i just wish i could sin by playing poker and drinking a beeer. they have to not be biased towards those slots and put some tables out so i can gamble away all of my money, ruin my life, mess up my kids and not go to church on sunday. please help me. lol

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On 1/15/09 at 9:30 AM, Richard28 wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

lol mainah_mom you could sell ur kids into slavery to make more money to spend

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On 1/15/09 at 9:39 AM, mainah_mom wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

nah. i will keep them around and teach them how to be bad. my daughter will be like the girl version of phil helmuth. i will send her from table to table to make mama some money. lol. this is just crazy ridiculous what maine finds so important. a woman can sleep with a student and get a slap on the wrist, a guy can have 6 ounces of pot and go to jail for 10 years and what is legal is always made into an issue because of religion and now we are getting our rights taken away one at a time.

i will contniue to be bad and i will continue to live my life how i choose. as long as things are taken care of in my home and with my job and children than what i choose to do in my person/private time is my personal and private time...not the state of maines.

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On 1/15/09 at 9:55 AM, PabMainer wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Hi mainah_mom....yes, I have been down to Foxwoods trying my luck....I can't go to the local slots because someone from church might see me and demand that the money I am using there go into the offering on Sunday...seems every time these subjects re-appear the same old comments come out of the closet....plus I had to stop by Vassalboro and program the GPS numbers into the Garmin, just waiting for the GRAND opening!

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On 1/15/09 at 9:59 AM, skyhawk wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

OF COURSE IT COULDN'T BE GREED FOR THE MONEY!!!!!!!!!!!!! AS FOR THE FOOD THERE I THOUGHT IT WASN'T THAT GREAT FOR THE PRICE IF IT WAS FREE , GARAGBE!!!!!

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On 1/15/09 at 10:01 AM, NochigahnehAlnabeh wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Hey Richard 28. Those machines have not been at 92-94% since the place was over at Millers Restaraunt. You really think they can build a $132 million facility and leave the machines at 92-94%. You are dillusional my friend!

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On 1/15/09 at 10:09 AM, mainah_mom wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

i know right. i have googled the directions honey. will be waiting front and center. you are buying the coffee right? all my money goes to gambling. you might even have to pick me up..lol. damn. stupid slots. they are the devil.

foxwoods?! lucky one you. oh. no. you sinner you. gambling? bad. bad. bad. i will pray for you.

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On 1/15/09 at 11:16 AM, LincolnMOM wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

mainah-mom you sound like you are drunk............

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On 1/15/09 at 11:16 AM, LincolnMOM wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

mainah-mom you sound like you are drunk............

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On 1/15/09 at 11:21 AM, mainah_mom wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

yes lincoln mom. its called sarcasm. you got me all figured out.

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On 1/15/09 at 11:22 AM, mainah_mom wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

and seriously you can hear how i sound? wow. you have super powers. must be the smell of the mills in lincoln.

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On 1/15/09 at 11:24 AM, SteveyDee wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

If you want to gamble, do it . If you dont, then dont...

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On 1/15/09 at 11:31 AM, PabMainer wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

mainah....you haven't been to the temple partaking of the "Holy Sacrament" again have you?? Stevey is right once again...if you don't then DON'T!

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On 1/15/09 at 11:34 AM, mainah_mom wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

no not lately. was waiting to do it again right with you...you know the topless discussion we had previously. ;)

some people can't handle joking or sarcasm. some people are just prudes. i feel sorry for you that cannot smile at things on a daily basis. joke once in awhile and lighten your mood you will feel and look better.

i really wish i lived in lincoln though. i would enjoy super powers as well.

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On 1/15/09 at 11:44 AM, garrisgammaw wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

We go to the slots once in a while and we dont spend all our savings and we dont eat but we do play the slots and we do have a couple drinks and listen to the band and it is relaxing and fun. Then, we go home to Augusta and we still work and take care of the kids and live on without thinking about when we can get back and spend our oil money or food money on gambling. We arent destroying our family or seeking out hookers or gigalos or turning to organized crime or anything so if families are being destroyed by it mabe they need to go to counceling.

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On 1/15/09 at 11:56 AM, garrisgammaw wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Well I got jipped i grew in Baileyville and I didnt get any superpowers either. Sucks to be me I guess!! But I like your sarcasm, candidness, and your attitude. You sound (mabe I do have super powers) kinda like my personality mainah_mom. But, I do agree with you a hundred percent about the slots. And even if I dont go to the slots on the week ends I still like to have a couple of drinks. I still pay my bills, take care of the house work, buy groceries, take care of the kids and the man so if that makes me a drunk then I guess I function pretty well. I dont even fall down.

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On 1/15/09 at 12:02 PM, mainah_mom wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

well thank you garrisgammaw. lol. would you like to join pab and i for our partaking of the holy sacrament and watching the new waitresses making their new entrance at the cafe and vassalboro. i would like to start up a coffee club if anyone wants to join. anyone with me?

i am glad you know how to handle your bills and kids and take care of your man and still find time to gamble. too bad not everyone can be so responsible....or open minded.

thanks again. i was close to lincoln. i grew up in medway so the smell might have drifted to me a little. maybe i have some super power somewhere in my brain. hmmm.. who knows. lincoln mom is pretty blessed though being able to hear me through the computer.

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On 1/15/09 at 12:06 PM, garrisgammaw wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

How true it is. I heard that vassalboro is going to have male waiters also!!! So mabe I will. I live very close to there only 10 to 15 min. lol

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On 1/15/09 at 12:17 PM, thekingofmaine wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

They are not being honest, whether people buy it or not, I don't believe in a man that's invisible and can see us every second of our lives.

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On 1/15/09 at 12:19 PM, thekingofmaine wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4sZuN0xXWLc#

this guy runs a christian car dealership in baltimore. see this is what happens when you let the christians have too much

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On 1/15/09 at 12:19 PM, Richard28 wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

hey NochigahnehAlnabeh its public knowledge thats what the machines were set at...now if they were changed thats a different story..im just saying thats what they were set at...don't call me dillusional i know more about that place then anyone that posts anything on this site...

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On 1/15/09 at 12:20 PM, mainah_mom wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

richard. you are delusional. hehehe

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On 1/15/09 at 12:20 PM, mainah_mom wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

that was a joke dude. don't freak out on me....mmmmm kay?

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On 1/15/09 at 12:36 PM, thekingofmaine wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

now that everyone has me going....i have to sing:

THE WONDER OF IT ALL!

take a chance, make it happen, pop cork FINGER SNAPPIN' spin the wheel round and round it goes.

Life is good, Life is sweet

Pull yourself up a front row seat

Let's meet and have a ball

Yeah let's live for the wonder of it all...

meet me at foxwoods!

FOXWOODS.

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On 1/15/09 at 12:36 PM, Richard28 wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

lol i wont

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On 1/15/09 at 12:38 PM, mainah_mom wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

thekingofmaine I think lincolnmom can hear you. she has super powers you know.

is he on key lincoln mom? he got the words right.

good job there smart one.

thanks richard. phew. i was kinda scared.

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On 1/15/09 at 1:08 PM, LincolnMOM wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

I still think ya'll are drunk ha ha ...Hava a great day :)

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On 1/15/09 at 1:22 PM, mainejeff wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

I just love how the anti-gambling crowd thinks that everyone that gambles is poor and addicted to it.

I have money and I do it for entertainment! Put that in your coffee and stir it you self-righteous bigots!

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On 1/15/09 at 1:29 PM, thekingofmaine wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

I know the BDN is cohorts with slots but they DID hire a child molestor

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On 1/15/09 at 1:31 PM, thekingofmaine wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

check out the maine sex offender registry and look up sandra lawrence

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On 1/15/09 at 1:42 PM, whitnmeme wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

mainah_mom. I want to join your coffee club. I picked up on your sarcasm quickly(i didn't confuse it with drunkardness). I don't go to the slots though. I just don't have the extra cash to do so. Does that count me out?

I also want to say thanks for the giggles today.. hahhahaha

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On 1/15/09 at 2:36 PM, mainah_mom wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

heck no. you don't have to go to the slots to join. you can watch the waitresses or partake in activities at the "holy church" lol. whatever you want to do is cool with me, just as long as it may piss someone else off I find it quite amusing.

Happy coffee drinking to you.

thanks for knowing that i was not drunk. lol. however, milk prices did go down so i can start digging into my allen's a little more now ;).

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On 1/16/09 at 12:28 PM, MESAVALLEY wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

If Money is the root of all evil then why are the churches begging for it?????????????

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On 1/16/09 at 2:07 PM, rexhoward wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

On 1/16/09 at 12:28 PM, MESAVALLEY wrote: If Money is the root of all evil then why are the churches begging for it?????????????

ahhh.... maybe because churches and their affiliated ministries are non-profit organizations. Many food pantries, the shepherds godparent home for homeless pregnant teens in Bangor, various support groups, etc.... many are outreach ministries of various churches that provide public services that are not funded by local or state tax money. That may be why they "beg" for money.

Even if someone thinks money is at the root of all evil, it doesn't mean there is a causal relationship between the two. Even "good" organizations need money to function.

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