If you’re searching for a place to play a hand of black jack or visit a new slot facility, north of the Massachusetts border is not looking like the place to visit.  We’ve recently read about the failure to pass casino legislation in New Hampshire.  Vermont has never warmed up to the idea of casino gambling, and imposes strict fines on any violations of their anti-gambling laws.  And now the Maine Senate has rejected efforts to expand casino gaming.  Of course unlike Vermont and New Hampshire, Maine has already licensed casinos in Bangor and Oxford, and has gaming at a harness track and an off shore gambling cruise operation.

This has dealt a significant blow to yearslong efforts by the state’s recognized Indian Tribes and horse racing industry with the refection of several bills on 3/19.  The feeling is that until there is a regulatory process in place, future proliferation of gambling is on hold before giving the green light to any new casinos.