Racino timeline

Nov. 18, 2002: Representatives of Capital Seven LLC, a Nevada-based company owned by entrepreneur Shawn Scott, present proposal for $30 million racino project for Bass Park during Bangor City Council committee meeting.

March 23, 2003: City schedules local June referendum seeking permission to have slots at Bass Park.

June 10, 2003: Bangor residents approve slots. Focus shifts to November statewide vote, second of two approvals needed.

Sept. 26, 2003: Capital Seven announces option on backup site in Brewer to hedge bet in case talks with Bangor fail.

Oct. 15, 2003: Bangor, Capital Seven sign letter of intent setting Oct. 31 deadline for development deal.

Oct. 29, 2003: Iowa-based Kehl Management and Penn National Gaming Inc. court Bangor racino project. A third company, Delaware North, also jumps into fray.

Oct. 31, 2003: Bangor inks development pact with Capital Seven.

Nov. 4, 2003: Maine voters approve slots for Bangor Raceway, Scarborough Downs. Scarborough fails to get local approval in Scarborough, Saco and Westbrook by Dec. 31 deadline.

Dec. 1, 2003: City hears pitches from Capital Seven competitors.

December 2003: Maine Harness Racing Commission begins licensing hearings for Shawn Scott.

Jan. 8, 2004: Penn National confirms purchase agreement with Capital Seven, takes on Bangor racino project.

Jan. 9, 2004: Racing commission issues Penn conditional racing license.

Jan. 21, 2004: Maine’s Passamaquoddy, Penobscot tribes make bid for slots license. Tribes later told their offer came too late.

May 5, 2004: Despite his opposition to gambling expansion, Gov. John Baldacci signs state’s slots law, launches Governor’s Gambling Control Advisory Council, which later becomes Maine Gambling Control Board.

Nov. 4, 2004: Penn National obtains conditional gaming license.

Dec. 29, 2004: Penn National obtains permanent racing license.

April 14, 2005: Penn National announces acquisition of Miller’s Restaurant on Main Street, Bangor, as site for temporary facility for 475 slot machines.

Aug. 18, 2005: Penn National obtains permanent gaming license.

Oct. 31, 2005: Bangor councilors OK letter of agreement allowing Penn National to move on plans to buy the Holiday Inn-Civic Center and Main Street Inn for $71 million permanent gaming complex.

Nov. 4, 2005: Hollywood Slots at Bangor opens doors to public; $1.8 million wagered on first day of operation, $12.5 million over 11 days.

Nov. 30, 2005: Deadline for new development agreement between Bangor and Penn National for Holiday Inn, Main Street Inn sites.

Dawn Gagnon, BDN