Pigeon ”¦ “2. Slang. One who is easily swindled; a dupe.”  ”“ American Heritage Dictionary

The reason this definition comes to mind is that Pigeon Hill in Oxford may soon become a destination for those with an inclination to gamble. It has been chosen as the site of the western Maine casino approved by a narrow majority at the polls on Nov. 2.

Backers of the Oxford casino convinced many voters that the economy is bad enough to overlook widely-held reservations about giving gaming industry entrepreneurs an open license to operate in Maine. With a promise of jobs and economic growth, the latest group of investors won over a bare majority.

The apparent margin of victory for Question 1 was close enough ”“ less than one percentage point ”“ to justify a recount of the more than 556,000 votes cast for and against it on Nov. 2.

If their victory is upheld, entrepreneurs stand to profit from new gambling rules drafted expressly for their benefit. Question 1 expands gambling in Maine without any state planning for the consequences, and protects the investors from competition from other gaming enterprises, perhaps including the new racino envisioned in Biddeford.

Black Bear Entertainment’s 100-acre site on Pigeon Hill may eventually become a destination for flocks of tourists looking for some action during visits to Maine. Yet since the site is just 13 miles from Lewiston and 35 miles from Portland, the casino is likely to be visited by many local pigeons as well.

Many otherwise sensible people enjoy occasionally testing their luck against a casino’s odds. But for Maine to rely on the promises of gaming entrepreneurs still strikes us as a risky economic strategy. Question 1 gives gambling a stronger foothold in Maine, but opponents may still have a few cards left to play.

— Questions? Comments? Contact Managing Editor Nick Cowenhoven at nickc@journaltribune.com.