Department of Public Safety

Gambling Control Board

45 Commerce Drive

87 SHS

Augusta, Maine 04333-0087

Ph: 207-626-3900

Fax: 207-287-4356

Email:  Gambling.Board@maine.gov .

The Gambling Control Board was created as a result of the “Governor’s Gambling Control Legislation,” enacted by the Legislature and signed into Law by Governor John E. Baldacci on May 6, 2004. PL 2003, chapter 687. The Board oversees operations at the Racino at Bangor Historic Racetrack in Bangor, Maine that opened in November 2005.

Members of the Gambling Control Board are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate.   The Board and its Staff are located within the Department of Public Safety, 45 Commerce Drive, Augusta, Maine 04330.

Meetings are now live audio streamed - please click on the "Minutes/Audio page."

Members of The Gambling Control Board:

George McHale, Chair: Mr. McHale is a broadcaster from Orrington and currently serves as Chair of the Maine Harness Commission.

W. Lawrence Hall: Mr. Hall is a retired Maine State Trooper and a small businessman from Dedham.

Peter Danton: Mr. Danton is a former State Senator and Chief of Staff under the Brennan administration. He is a commercial real estate broker and businessman from Saco. Mr. Danton also serves on the Lottery Commission.

Cushing P. Samp: Ms. Samp from Saco, formerly of Hampden, has degrees in English and Law. Her work history includes working with the Maine Supreme Court, Maine Public Utilities Commission and Pine Tree Legal Assistance.

Richard R. Arnold: Mr. Arnold is a retired State Police Det./Lt. and former Director of the Maine State Police Crime Laboratory. He is a 1976 graduate of the F.B.I. National Academy. Mr. Arnold  presently has a Forensic Ballistics and Consulting Service business and resides in Belgrade Lakes . 

Staff support for the Board:

Robert P. Welch, Executive Director: Mr. Welch retired from the Bangor Police Dept. as Deputy Chief after serving for 25 years with the Dept. He holds an Associate degree and Bachelors degree from the University of Maine-Augusta, and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia in March of 2000.

Scott A. Woods, Public Safety Auditor

Lt. David Bowler, Maine State Police Gaming and Weapons Unit

Sgt. Robin Parker, Maine State Police, Gambling Control Unit

Det. Don Armstrong, Maine State Police, Gambling Control Unit

Secretary Kathy Chamberlain, Maine State Police, Gambling Control Unit

Melissa O'Dea, Assistant Attorney General, legal counsel to the Board

Website updated April 14, 2008

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