Gaming briefs for October 13, 2004

Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2004 | 11:07 a.m.

Meskwaki tribal members approve casino expansion

TAMA, Iowa -- Meskwaki tribal members overwhelmingly approved expansion of their casino.

"They hope to break ground yet this year," said Tom Jochum, the tribe's spokesman.

Tribal members voted 238 to 61 in favor of the expansion.

"They want the tribal casino to continue to be one of the premier gaming facilities in the state," said Homer Bear Jr., chairman of the tribal council. "They want the casino to be one of the engines driving economic development efforts in central Iowa."

Tribal officials in February unveiled plans for the expansion, which would double the size of the casino.

Jochum said the expansion is badly needed.

"They are turning away business. They don't have enough hotel rooms. It's a market where you either grow or die," Jochum said.

Retired deputy chief tapped as gambling board's exec

AUGUSTA, Maine -- A retired deputy police chief in Bangor has been tapped to serve as executive director of the new Maine Gambling Control Board, officials said Tuesday.

Robert P. Welch is expected to be confirmed by the five-member board at its next meeting following a background check and to begin his new job on Nov. 29.

Welch, who was one of 34 applicants for the position, retired from the Bangor police in 2002 after 25 years with the department.

"Bob Welch's experience in law enforcement administration and in finance will be assets in the role of executive director," said George McHale, board chairman.

The Maine Gambling Control Board was created by the Legislature earlier this year to oversee slot machines voters have authorized for installation at Maine harness racing tracks.

The only locally approved racetrack casino is to be operated at Bangor Raceway, where Penn National Gaming Inc. plans to install 1,500 slot machines.