PORTLAND — Maine voters have rejected two ballot questions for a casino in Lewiston and two racetracks with slot machines in southern and eastern Maine.
With 66 percent of precincts reporting, Question 2 on Tuesday’s ballot proposing racinos in Biddeford and Calais was failing with 57 percent of the vote opposed in unofficial returns. Question 3 calling for a casino in Lewiston was opposed by 64 percent of voters.
Backers said the projects would create hundreds of jobs.
The eastern Maine racino would have been operated by the Passamaquoddy Indians, who said it would give a much-needed lift to the region’s ailing economy.
Opponents argued that casinos are a drain on local economies while contributing to societal problems.
Maine now has one racino, Hollywood Slots in Bangor, and a casino under construction in Oxford slated to open late next spring.
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