Scarborough Downs is determined to offer slot
machines to its guests and the company is not taking no for an answer;
even if that means they have to pack their bags. It has not yet been
three months since Scarborough Downs lost a bid to operate slot machines
at it venue, but now the company is considering York County, Maine as a
possible new home for a harness racing venue with slot machines.
Already attempting to get the ball rolling,
representatives from Scarborough Downs held a meeting this week with the
12 Town Group. The 12 Town Group is actually an informal group of
representative from various towns in inland York County. The focus of
the meeting was to get an idea of their would be any interest in
bringing slot machines and a harness racing venue to York County.
According to Edward MacColl, an attorney that
represents Scarborough Down, the track is exploring all its options to
preserve it future. Slot machines would be a great source of added
revenue for the track. This past election season, in November, a
referendum that would have allowed Scarborough downs to operates slot
machines was defeated. Scarborogh Downs is determined to add slot
machines to the track. Slot machines seem to be creating a new life
line for the horse racing industry across the nation.
Town representatives had several questions at the
meeting with regards to the track. Traffic was a topic of particular
concern. Some are doubtful of a deal being struck. According to John
Sylvester from Alfred County, a racetrack with slot machines in York
County is a hard sell at best.