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Medical group opposes casino

Monday, Sept. 8, 2003 | 11:16 a.m.

DIXVILLE NOTCH, N.H. -- The Maine Medical Association, citing the "detrimental effects of casino gambling on public health," has unanimously voted to oppose a gambling casino in Maine.

The vote Saturday came on a resolution placed before more than 100 doctors attending the association's annual meeting at The Balsams.

"I was surprised that it was unanimous," said Gordon Smith, the MMA's executive vice president. "No one voted against it. That may be the most notable aspect of it."

The resolution said a casino would pose a threat to the state's public health and result in increased crime, addiction, domestic abuse and suicide.

The association said state funding for gambling addiction services has been woefully inadequate, and the casino referendum bill contains no funding for such programs.

Maine voters will decide Nov. 4 whether to allow the Passamaquoddy Tribe and the Penobscot Nation to develop a $650 million casino and resort in southern Maine.

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