As the gambling industry changes, Oxford Casino is up for sale. What does that mean for the community?

Churchill Downs Eyes Sale of Oxford Casino as Betting Landscape Shifts

Oxford, Maine – In a move that could reshape the region’s gaming economy, Churchill Downs Inc., the firm that owns the world‑famous Kentucky Derby, is weighing the sale of the Oxford Casino and eight other properties in seven states. The decision comes amid a broader industry pivot toward online sports wagering and prediction markets, which have eclipsed traditional land‑based casino revenues in recent years.

A Long‑Standing Local Asset

The Oxford Casino opened its doors in 2012, after voters approved a 2010 referendum that passed by a slim margin of 4,723 votes—just under 1% of the ballots cast. At the time, the casino promised more than 1,700 year‑round jobs and $60 million in revenue earmarked for schools and tribal programs. The promise, however, has been tempered by reality.

“The casino employs between 400 and 450 people,” said Oxford Selectman Ernie Fits, who has watched the site’s fortunes rise and fall over the past decade. “It’s a big relief for the town, especially since we’ve managed to keep our mill rate at $14 per $1,000 of assessed value while surrounding towns are climbing to $16, $17, or even $24.50.” Fits added that the steady tax revenue allows the town to focus on other priorities, saying, “As a select board member, you don’t have to go and worry as much about taxes… Property taxes are a big issue in this state.”

In 2025, the casino contributed more than $2 million in revenue to Oxford, bringing the town’s cumulative contribution from the casino to over $338 million since 2012. Roughly 46 % of that revenue comes from slot machines, while table games account for 16 %. The money is funneled into education and other community services, with Oxford and Oxford County each receiving a share.

The Economic Ripple

Local businesses have felt the casino’s pull. Cindi Robbins, owner of Poland Spring Resort, credits the casino with creating a demand for lodging that helped her open a motor lodge that operates year‑round. “Before the casino hotel and the Hampton Inn were built, the need for hotel rooms was a big driver,” Robbins said.

Daddy O’s Diner, owned by Aaron and Amanda Ouellette, has expanded as a result of increased foot traffic. “Sales have gone up, and we’ve gotten a second location,” Aaron told reporters. “We went from having 12 employees to 40–45 between the two.”

Community advocacy groups echo this sentiment. “They’re very community‑friendly,” Fits remarked. “They donate a lot of money to a lot of different nonprofits and help in the community.” The casino has sponsored golf tournaments, charitable events, and local festivals—activities that continue to benefit Oxford residents.

Industry Context

The American Gaming Association reports that, in 2025, casino revenue rose 2.3 % over the previous year, while sports betting revenue jumped 22.6 % and internet gaming climbed 27.6 %. The data underscore a trend that Churchill Downs is taking seriously.

“Gaming has become less popular with public company investors, citing competition for funding from sports betting and prediction markets,” said Bill Carstanjen, Churchill Downs’ CEO, in a recent interview with Horse Racing Nation. “The move to sell the nine casinos is all about strategy, not weak performance.” Carstanjen emphasized that the company’s focus remains on live horse racing and its flagship online betting platform, TwinSpires, as well as the Kentucky Derby’s prestige.

Under Maine law, casino licenses are non‑transferable. Any prospective buyer must secure a new license before acquiring a property, ensuring that operations can continue without interruption. The company is “soliciting and weighing bids,” Carstanjen added, but no final decision has yet been made.

Gambling’s Place in Maine

While online betting has surged, Maine’s gambling regulators remain confident that brick‑and‑mortar casinos pose a relatively low risk to public health. Lori Manson, gambling services coordinator for ADEPT Maine, said, “Of all the gambling forms, it’s probably the one I’m least concerned about as far as the harm that it does to the citizens of Maine.” She noted that the state’s Gambling Control Unit imposes strict oversight, and physical presence is required to play at a casino—an advantage she believes keeps problem gambling in check.

Manson added that the rise in sports betting and offshore sites has shifted the landscape, but Maine’s regulators view the state’s casino model as a well‑regulated outlet for entertainment rather than a source of addiction.

Looking Ahead

The sale of Oxford Casino is still in the early stages, with bids being evaluated and regulatory hurdles being navigated. If the casino is sold, the new owner would need to obtain a license before closing, a requirement that could influence timing and the type of operator the community ultimately chooses.

For Oxford, the prospect of a change in ownership brings uncertainty but also a chance to reaffirm the casino’s role as a community asset. “We hope it remains a community asset,” Fits said, summarizing the town’s sentiment. “I certainly feel