PORTLAND — Maine voters have rejected a referendum authorizing a new casino in Lewiston, while a separate proposal for two racinos was lagging at the polls.
With 52 percent of the precincts reporting Tuesday, a referendum for a Lewiston casino was losing 64 percent to 36 percent in unofficial returns. A separate referendum for racinos in southern and eastern Maine was behind 56-34 percent.
Backers said the projects would create jobs and generate revenue for the state and municipalities. The eastern Maine racino would be operated by the Passamaquoddy Indians, who said it would boost to the region’s ailing economy.
Opponents argued that casinos are a drain on local economies and contribute to societal problems.
Maine now has one racino, Hollywood Slots in Bangor, and a casino under construction in Oxford slated to open next spring.
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