Business Group Pushes Forward for Casino Approval In Oxford County

Casino News - September 3rd, 2009 - Written by Bonnie

Business people are always looking for new investments and ways to make more money, which is why a group of investors from Maine are bouncing around the idea of developing a casino in Oxford County. Black Bear Entertainment, a political action committee, has been registered with the Secretary of State's Office to show their support for a casino. Matt Hancock and Stephen Barber of Black Bear Entertainment, are two business men that have spent approximately $25,000 discussing crafting legislation with Portland attorney's. Both Hancock and Barber feel that with the addition of a casino, there could be a tremendous boost to the state's economy.

The idea of a casino in Oxford county was put in the hands of voters back in 2008, and needless to say, it was not a success. Oxford County was not the only proposal denied. Down East Main and Stanford were also among the casino proposals denied by voters. They will resume gathering information, exploring possibilities, and will decide whether or not to move forward within the next 60 days. Hancock stated that if the group can not get the legislature to accept their proposal, their next step would be to take it before the voters in the next election, held in November of 2010.

"What we're doing is really a passionate exercise to spur growth in western Maine," he said.
Dennis Bailey, of CasinosNO!, stated, "I don't know why they are wasting their time on something that is not going to happen".

"I don't know when they're going to get the message," said Bailey. "It's becoming easier and easier to defeat these things. The first one was a real struggle, but Maine people have made up their minds. They don't need a lot of convincing."
Although, they are talking about placing the casino in Oxford, they have not yet ruled out near by communities. As they move forward in the proposal process, a decision will be made on not only the casino location, but the design of the casino as well. As to date, no management company has been decided on, nor has a gaming partner. " It's just not that far down the line", Hancock stated.

Quotes drawn from the Portland Press Herald

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