Sen. Baldacci introduces bill to encourage more slot machine licenses

AUGUSTA — On Monday, Feb. 27, Sen. Joe Baldacci, D-Bangor, introduced LD 504, “An Act Regarding Licensing Fees for Small Slot Machine Distributors.” The bill was subject to a public hearing in the Joint Standing Committee on Veterans and Legal Affairs.

“This bill presents an opportunity to further bolster the Bangor area’s economy,” said Sen. Baldacci. “by reducing the bar for entry, we can present an opportunity for more people to get their slot distribution license, as the current law is pretty cost prohibitive. By reducing the licensing and renewal fee for small slot distributors, we encourage more people to get licensed and in turn, can increase revenue and continue to strengthen Bangor’s economy.”

LD 504 sets the initial application fee for a slot machine distributor that distributes fewer than 50 machines annually at $50,000 and the annual renewal fee for those distributors at $10,000. The current law has all distributors, regardless of size, must pay a $200,000 license fee and a $75,000 renewal fee.

The bill faces further action in committee.