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Report: Gamblers Spent $54.6M At Maine's Two Casinos

Susan Sharon
/
Maine Public/file
The Oxford Casino, seen in 2013.

Gamblers in Maine spent nearly $54.6 million on slots and table games at the state's two casinos last year.

Those numbers are from the Gambling Control Board's annual report out this month. The report also finds that while Oxford Casino made about $2 million more in 2017 than in 2016, Hollywood Casino made about $900,000 less than the year before.

Milton Champion is the executive director of the Gambling Control Board. He says both casinos made some changes this year.

"Oxford Casino added their hotel, and with that hotel addition they've also added some gaming floor," Champion says. "On Hollywood's side, they've actually taken away."

Of the money they took in, Oxford and Hollywood casinos sent $18 million back to the state to use for K-12 education; $5.9 million to the University of Maine system, the state's community college system, and Maine Maritime Academy; $8.9 million went to the general fund; and $4.4 million went to harness racing purses.

That's among many beneficiaries, including the agricultural fair support fund, which got $1.8 million.

Nora is originally from the Boston area but has lived in Chicago, Michigan, New York City and at the northern tip of New York state. Nora began working in public radio at Michigan Radio in Ann Arbor and has been an on-air host, a reporter, a digital editor, a producer, and, when they let her, played records.