The reliable and steady profits promised by slot machine gambling are like a plate of brownies fresh from the oven – really not good for you, but oh so hard to resist. The Penobscot Nation can’t be faulted for seeking to boost tribal revenue by adding slot machines to its high-stakes bingo operation on Indian Island. Tribes around the U.S. have benefited from the highly lucrative casinos they’ve built over the last two decades, and though Maine voters have thrice denied casino proposals here, the Penobscot plan to add 100 machines seems different enough from the large-scale casinos to warrant a fresh discussion.

The Legislature’s Legal and Veterans Affairs Committee last week endorsed a bill that would allow the tribe to add slots to its Indian Island operation.

Enter Gov. Baldacci. The governor has been a consistent opponent of expanding gambling in Maine. To his credit, he has not played politician and equivocated on that stance, even though it has incited tribal – and, in the case of the Calais proposal, regional – anger. He has said he will veto the bill if it reaches his desk.

The governor’s problem in this debate is that despite his consistent opposition to expanding gambling, Hollywood Slots is thriving in Bangor, Gov. Baldacci’s hometown. Not only is the casino drawing heavy traffic at its current location, but the $131 million complex that will be its permanent home also is rising along the Penobscot River, a high-profile reminder to the tribe of an opportunity it feels it has been denied.

If the bill passes, the governor has an escape route of sorts. Rather than simply veto the slots authorization bill, Gov. Baldacci could instead agree to put the matter to a statewide referendum. That path is not without its problems.

CasinosNO! will pick up the gauntlet and oppose the referendum, and voters are not going to be receptive to another war fought through letters to the editor, Op-Ed columns, TV ads and debates.

Timing is often a critical component of winning a political battle. In this case, the timing is bad. It was just over two months ago that voters shot down the casino proposed for Calais by the Passamaquoddy Tribe. Similar gambling referendums were defeated in 2000 and 2003; in 2003, with most of the electorate focused on the large casino referendum, the less controversial Bangor racino proposal was approved, which opened the door for Hollywood Slots.

The Penobscot Nation believes it has a right to at least make the case to the public for allowing 100 slot machines at its bingo hall. A statement by the governor, quoted by newspapers in 2003 after the Bangor racino was approved, seems appropriate: “The people have spoken,” he said. The people should be allowed to speak again.