Hickman is likely correct, as the Maine Office of Fiscal and Program Review (OFPR) said that the DFS law will net the state a measly $10,071 during the 2017-18 fiscal year. And that small reward only diminishes according to the OFPR, which predicts savings to the General Fund will benefit by $7,206 in 2018-19, $4,256 in year three, and just $1,217 by 2020-21.
The OFPR s outlook seems to show little confidence in the long-term profitability of the daily fantasy sports industry.
Passed to LePage s desk on July 23, the governor had 10 days to act on the DFS bill. Inaction on his part enacts the bill, as is commonly the case in states legislative processes.
The governor s idleness in regards to the DFS bill doesn t necessarily mean he opposes its regulations. LePage hasn t revealed his position on fantasy sports, but has denounced attempts to authorize a third casino in the state.
A ballot initiative that might go before voters in November is currently being investigated by the Maine Ethics Committee. The state believes the operatives behind the push, millionaires , might have unlawfully obtained the necessary voter signatures to move the referendum forward.
Shawn Scott is no stranger to Maine residents. In 2002, he bought Bangor Raceway for $1 million. After successfully campaigning to authorize slot machines at the harness track, he sold the property to Penn National Gaming a year later for $51 million.
LePage and other lawmakers believe Scott is back to play the state once again.
