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Saturday, April 30, 2005
Gaming executives eager to open slots
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BANGOR — Penn National Gaming Inc. executives say the company is eager to open its slots operation in Maine if for no other reason than to disprove fears that such an operation would bring disreputable elements to the state. The project will generate income for Maine and Bangor, as well as "show that there's no big bad wolf at the door with this project," said Eric Schippers, Penn National spokesman, during a presentation Thursday at Husson College. Industry estimates show the largest demographic the racino is likely to entice will be over 60 and comprised of more women than men. Schippers' comments came during a gathering of the Action Committee of 50, which works to improve the economic health of Greater Bangor. He said the company will open an interim slots facility soon at Miller's Restaurant. The Pennsylvania-based gaming company is buying the restaurant for $3.8 million. Schippers also said the company has begun negotiating with Erin Co., which operates the Holiday Inn across from Bass Park. The hotel is one of the few commercially zoned properties large enough to accommodate Penn's proposed 1,500-square-foot building. Though plans on file with the city call for building the complex at Bass Park, Penn is exploring other options that might minimize an inevitable disruption. Schippers also said the company has chosen a general manager for its Bangor operation. He said that person is from outside Maine with experience in the gaming industry. The chosen manager will be identified soon, he said. The audience of government and business representatives seemed intrigued. "I see this as a positive thing," Donna Fichtner, executive director of the Bangor Convention and Visitors Bureau, said after Schippers' talk.
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