Will Racetracks Lose Slots Revenue?

Some lawmakers think millions of dollars from Hollywood Slots in Bangor would be better used to subsidize education and social services rather than the horse industry.

The harness racing industry and racetracks were the driving force behind the 2003 referendum that authorized slots facilities near Maine’s horse racing tracks. State law requires the Bangor racino to give 39 percent of its net slots revenue to various initiatives -- 10 percent of net slots revenue, 3 percent for scholarship programs and 21 percent (about $11.4 million in 2009) to the horse industry or agricultural fairs.