Casinos yes or no? Readers debate the issues. Don’t lock yourself in

Listening to the news the other night, it struck me what a bad deal this casino bill is, at least for the state.

The newscaster said the state’s projected share of the slots was $100 million each year. On the face of it, it sounds pretty good until you realize that is only 25 percent of the projected revenue of the slots alone ($400 million). It doesn’t take into consideration all the income from the other games.

The casino legislation also dictates exactly how this money will be spent. Fifty percent (of 25 percent) for property tax relief; 40 percent (of 25 percent) for General Purpose Aid for education; 5 percent to the Maine State Grant Program (education) and 5 percent for the Finance Authority of Maine for scholarships.

Also, keep in mind that the 25 percent of the slots’ revenue is after expenses. I don’t know what those consist of – it didn’t say.

We are also locking ourselves into a contract for 20 years. The legislation states, on the last page, “no amendment or repeal without the consent of the Passamaquoddy Tribe and the Penobscot Nation.” Most of us in our personal lives would not lock ourselves into any agreement without the right to reassess in extreme situations, why should the state do any different?

Nancy Worcester

St. Albans