As for a tribal casino in sparsely populated Washington County, it would offer all the marketing potential of a new-car dealership in Amish country.
Seasonal gaming sites might crop up along the coast in the summer or at ski resorts in the winter, but the limited time they'd be open, plus the competition they'd face from the attractions of the beach or slopes, would almost certainly keep such enterprises small and marginally profitable.
The gambling industry prefers to operate as a monopoly. It doesn't want to fight with itself for customers. That's why the Oxford referendum on next month's ballot contains language that would prevent another casino from opening within 100 miles of its site. That's why supporters of a Lewiston gaming establishment took out a full-page newspaper ad recently urging a "no" vote on the Oxford plan. That's why Hollywood Slots' parent company is underwriting the cost of an anti-Oxford campaign, arguing, in effect, that another gambling site would hurt its business.
If any idiot could open a casino simply by stopping by town hall to pick up a building permit and an entertainment license, almost nobody would do it. The battle to attract players would be too fierce. The customer base would be too fractured. The profits would be nonexistent.
The easiest way to limit gambling in Maine as much as possible isn't to oppose every casino referendum that comes along. It's to vote to legalize games of chance every chance you get.
Unlike playing the slots, it's a sure bet.
Lay your cards on the table by e-mailing me ataldiamon@herniahill.net.
Related:
Caprio's Clinton fixation, Seeking the State House, Conducting tests on Maine Republicans, More 
- Caprio's Clinton fixation
It was the highlight of Democrat Frank Caprio's bid for governor: an endorsement by Bill Clinton before an enormous American flag at the Rhode Island Convention Center.
- Seeking the State House
Candidates for the Maine Legislature aren't always brief in their answers. Read expanded responses at thephoenix.com/abouttown. Phoenix-endorsed candidates have asterisks next to their names.
- Conducting tests on Maine Republicans
Here at the Institute for Advanced Studies of the Effects of Sarcasm and Derision on Political Philosophies, we've been conducting a comprehensive battery of tests to determine whether newly elected Maine Republicans really mean that stuff they've been saying about reducing the size and cost of state government.
- I never promised you a rose garden
Some readers have suggested that last week's column was unfair to outgoing Democratic Governor John Baldacci. They're correct.
- Registration day blues
When it comes to politicians debating important issues, I prefer them to get down and dirty.
- Pledge class
Whether it's to flags, fraternities, or charities, privileged douchebags love pledging allegiance.
- Last choice
It's an outrage that a small group of devious political insiders has been allowed to manipulate the democratic process in a blatant attempt to restrict voting rights.
- Who will be mayor?
A Portland Election Special.
- Minor League Pundits
They're not in the running, but they think they are.
- Don't say the words
Raye is part of the moderate wing of the GOP, fiscally conservative but close to the middle on social issues.
- From top cop to capitol hill?
It is hard to imagine a better Republican candidate for Rhode Island's First Congressional District than Colonel Brendan Doherty, the retired superintendent of state police.
- Less
Topics:
Talking Politics
, Maine, Gambling, casinos, More
, Maine, Gambling, casinos, racino, Tourism, Referenda, elections, Oxford County, Voting, jobs, Less
