A bill that could open the door to a casino in southern Maine has been defeated by the Republican-controlled Senate.
The Senate voted 20-15 against the bill on Tuesday. The Democratic-controlled House has given initial approval to the measure. The disagreement between the two chambers means the bill will likely die.
Under the bill, the state would establish a competitive bid process and seek proposals for a resort-style casino in York or Cumberland County. It would have to be approved by voters in that county.
The version approved by the House would set the license fee at $25 million. The bidder would have to make a $250 million minimum capital investment.
Opponents said that voters’ repeated rejection of casino proposals shows they aren’t interested in expanding gambling. Maine already has two casinos in Bangor and Oxford.
