Gaming briefs for July 2, 2003

Wednesday, July 2, 2003 | 11:07 a.m.

Room, occupancy rates jump in Reno, Sparks

RENO -- Hotel room rates in the Reno-Sparks area showed a hefty increase in May and occupancy rates rose slightly as well.

The cost of a room went up for the first time since January, averaging $57.07, a 12 percent increase over May of last year, when the average room brought $50.99.

Occupancy rose 1.4 percent to 69.9 percent from last May.

Part of the increase is credited to this year's Women's International Bowling Congress tournament in Reno.

Chamber of Commerce funding casino study

SANFORD, Maine -- The local chamber of commerce has agreed to spend up to $10,000 to fund a citizens committee studying the impact of a proposed $650 million Indian casino resort across from Sanford Regional Airport.

The 10-member Citizens Casino Advisory Task Force was appointed by Sanford selectmen last week but was not given funding.

The Sanford-Springvale Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development concluded the task force needed money, even though the chamber is neutral on the casino proposal, said President Richard Stanley.

"The board of directors felt the citizens committee will need funding to accomplish what they need to do in a short period of time," he said.

Selectman Gary Morse said officials had not funded the task force because they didn't know if it is legal for the town to finance a citizens committee. He said selectmen are investigating whether they can assess an impact fee on the casino developers.