Vegas casino tycoon takes over local casino project

The Olympia Group, a Las Vegas gaming company, has taken over the Oxford County Casino project.

The casino project launched as a citizen’s initiative, and goes to the ballot in November. It was spearheaded by Evergreen Mountain Enterprises, a Rumford company created by Attorney Seth Carey for the project.

The sale was announced today at a press conference in Portland.

Dean Harrold, Vice Chairman of Olympia Gaming, will be the new president of the casino if it is approved. Harrold has held several top positions in Vegas, including as past president and chief operating officer of Caesars Palace.

"The Olympia Group was attracted to this opportunity because of the quality of the Maine workforce and the excellent potential it saw in Oxford County in western Maine," Harrold said in a release. "The resort casino will serve as a year-round destination for a steady stream of new visitors to the state. It will offer the best in entertainment, fine dining, lodging and recreational opportunities."

Pat LaMarche will be the spokewoman for the push to approve the referenda.

"According to the University of Maine revenue projections and industry standards, the projected job creation for the resort is over 800 new jobs. Typically, another 300 jobs will be created in supporting industries. This does not include the positive ripple effect to surrounding areas or along what we are calling 'Corridors of Opportunity:' the roads and highways leading from Maine's borders to the final location in Oxford County," LaMarche said in a release.