FARMINGTON -- The group advocating for a casino in Oxford County has promised to address problematic provisions in the referendum language, including provisions that lower the gambling age, allow 18-year-olds to work in the casino and puts the president on a number of Maine boards and commissions.

That’s not good enough for Dennis Bailey, head of CasinosNO!, the key opposition to the group. Bailey contends that voters should not be voting on a “question mark”.

Bailey faced off against Pat LaMarche, spokeswoman for the casino project, in Farmington Wednesday night. Voters will see the matter next Tuesday as Question 2 on the ballot.

“We ought to at least know what we’re voting on,” Bailey said during the debate. “Who knows what will happen (in the Legislature). Lobbyists will be in there, and everyone will want a slice of the pie.”

LaMarche has promised to tie the age limits to its liquor license. Therefore, even if the law allows those under 21 in the casino, the establishment will risk losing its liquor license if it allows them in.

LaMarche paints the project as one that will bring prosperity to the rural area of Oxford County. “Tourism is Maine’s salvation and Lord knows we need one,” she said. The project isn’t simply a casino – it is a resort with a casino inside. It will provide high-paying jobs for those wanting to work in the traditional tourism industry.

It will target the wealthy, those with incomes over $75,000. “If someone only has $5, they buy $5 in scratch tickets, they don’t go all the way to a resort to gamble,” LaMarche said.

Bailey, however, questioned if people would really come to Oxford to go to a casino. “They can hop on Jet Blue and go to Vegas for $90,” he said.

He continued to focus on the flawed provisions in the bill.

“This will be the law, it’s a law that lowers the gambling age. With the way it’s written, I don’t know what happens if a 19-year-old shows up at Hollywood Slots in December and wants to come in. The gambling control board doesn’t know either.”