As the gambling industry changes, Oxford Casino may be sold. What’s that mean for the community?
OXFORD — It’s been 13 years since Churchill Downs Inc. bought Oxford Casino, one of only two casinos in the state.
Since then, a lot has changed in the gambling industry, as the rise of online sports betting and prediction markets have eaten away at traditional casino gambling.
Still, local leaders and business owners say, the casino has been a benefit to the area. As Churchill Downs considers selling the property, leaders hope it remains a community asset.
“I do feel like we are very fortunate to have it here,” Oxford Selectman Ernie Fitts said. “There’s pros and cons with everything, but I certainly feel the pros have outweighed (the cons), having the casino here in the town of Oxford.”
CHANGES AT CHURCHILL DOWNS
The Oxford Hotel and Casino, seen on Sept. 14, draws tourists from across New England. (Russ Dillingham/Staff Photographer) Purchase this image
The American Gaming Association reported that casino revenue was up 2.3% in 2025 over the previous year, while sports betting revenue was up 22.6% and internet gaming was up 27.6% in the same period.
The changes in the gambling industry have a lot to do with why Churchill Downs is considering selling the Oxford Casino, as well as eight other gaming properties in seven other states.
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The company has said it wants to focus on live horse racing, its flagship Kentucky Derby, and online betting platform TwinSpires. In an interview last month with Horse Racing Nation’s Rod Flatter Racing Pod, Churchill Downs’ CEO Bill Carstanjen repeated the assertion that the move to sell the nine casinos is all about strategy and not weak performance.
Yet, he also said gaming has become less popular with public company investors, citing competition for funding from sports betting and prediction markets.
Three months after announcing that Churchill Downs was considering the sale of all or some of the nine casinos, no decisions have been made public. Carstanjen said his company is soliciting and weighing bids and that the process is ongoing.
Under state law, a casino license is not transferable or assignable. If the Oxford Casino is sold, a potential buyer would have to apply for licensure as a casino operator and receive the license before the acquisition occurs, so as not to interrupt business operations.
JOBS AND REVENUE
In 2010, the year of the successful referendum to open the casino, western Maine and Oxford County were struggling with a recession. Unemployment in Oxford County peaked at 11% and was among the highest in Maine. Promises of jobs were a factor in the outcome of the statewide referendum, which passed by 4,723 votes — less than 1%.
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In the run-up to the vote, backers of the proposed casino in Oxford County said it would generate more than 1,700 year-round jobs and at least $60 million in revenue for education and statewide programs, the Penobscot and Passamaquoddy tribes, and foster economic development.
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The reality has not quite kept up with the hype. The casino employs between 400 and 450 people year-round, with an average annual tax revenue of $33 million distributed by statute, with 46% of net revenue from slot machines and 16% from table games providing funding for a number of programs and services. Most of the revenue goes to education to fund essential programs for K-12. Both the town of Oxford and Oxford County get a share of the revenue.
The impact has been felt. Overall, the casino has contributed more than $338 million to the state, county, and town since it opened in 2012.
In 2025, Oxford received more than $2 million from Oxford Casino, which Fitts said is a huge relief for the town of 4,300. The casino revenue has allowed Oxford to keep its property tax rate at $14 per $1,000 of assessed value, when surrounding towns are at $16, $17 and as high as $24.5 in Auburn.
“As a Select Board member, you don’t have to go and worry as much about taxes,” he said. “Property taxes are a big issue in this state.”
Predictions for a rise in crime and rampant gambling problems never materialized. Lori Manson, the gambling services coordinator of ADEPT Maine, said while Maine is not immune to gambling addiction, most people can go to the casino and gamble for entertainment without issue.
Casinos, she said, are the least of her worries. They are very tightly regulated by the Gambling Control Unit, and you have to physically go to a casino to bet. Sports betting, offshore gambling sites, and prediction markets can all be done on your phone.
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“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,” Manson said.
IN THE COMMUNITY
Daddy O’s Diner is seen Oct. 7 in Mechanic Falls, one town away from the Oxford Casino. (Libby Kamrowski Kenny/Staff Photographer)
The Oxford Casino has been a good community partner, residents say.
“They’re very community friendly,” Fitts commented. “They help out with a lot of things, they donate a lot of money to a lot of different nonprofits and help in the community.”
Cindi Robbins agrees. The owner of Poland Spring Resort has supported the casino from the outset, and has benefitted from its presence. Before the casino hotel and the Hampton Inn were built, the need for hotel rooms as the casino opened allowed her to open her motor lodge year-round.
“I don’t think there’s much publicity about the charity aspect of the casino,” Robbins said, reciting a list of golf events and charitable events that are regularly sponsored by the casino.
Amanda and Aaron Ouellette, who own Daddy O’s Diner in Oxford and Mechanic Falls, attribute part of their success to the casino, which they say brings more people to the region. It’s allowed them to grow their business.
“Sales have gone up, and also we’ve got a second location,” Aaron said. “We went from having 12 employees to like 40, 45 between the two.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with a gambling problem, 211 is Maine’s Problem Gambling Helpline. Call 211 or text your zip code to 898-211 for access to information about services and resources 24/7.
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Tagged: citizens referendum, gambling, Oxford Casino
Christopher WheelockStaff Writer
A long-time journalist, Christopher got his start with Armed Forces Radio & Television after college. Seventeen years at CNN International brought exposure to major national and international stories. More by Christopher Wheelock
