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Casino Opponents Question Gambling Age Promise

 Amanda Hill, Multimedia Producer     12 months ago
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PORTLAND (AP) -- The Las Vegas company that wants to develop a casino and resort in Oxford County has pledged to keep anyone who has not turned 21 from gambling or working in the casino, if it's approved by voters on Tuesday.

But opponents are saying not so fast. Casinos NO! spokesman Dennis Bailey says several lawyers contracted his group about Olympia Gaming's pledge. Those lawyers say the casino would be unable to legally prohibit 19- and 20-year-olds from entering the casino or they would open themselves up to lawsuits based on age discrimination.

Bailey says the casino proponents can't decide which parts of Maine law it wants to follow.

The referendum proposal before Maine voters Tuesday includes a number of controversial provisions, including lowering the state's casino gambling age from 21 to 19. The Legislature would have to change the law to raise the minimum gambling age.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)


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