Maine Regulators Debate Nature of New Gambling Machine

Members of Maine's Gambling Control Board can't decide if a new game is a slot machine or table gaming.

Hollywood Slots in Bangor, Maine, wants to add a new slot to its selection of games, but the state Gambling Control Board isn't sure if the game is really a slot machine. The new game, which fits the category of hosted slots, features play designed to resemble table gaming.

Since slots are legal but table gaming is forbidden, state regulators are taking their time deciding whether to approve the new slots.

When playing the new slots, patrons sit around a table, acting as if they are playing card games like blackjack or poker. Casino staff inserts money from the players into the machine, which generates automated results.

Members of the board met last week to render a decision on the slot, but could not reach a consensus. The board decided to continue study in preparation for a December meeting to render a ruling.

Several board members agreed the slot met the technical and legal definitions under Maine statutes for slots, but others said playing it "felt" like card gambling. Apparently, some of the regulators prefer making subjective and emotional judgments over using the law provided for them.