Gambling control inspectors accuse top regulator of retaliation, consolidating power

AUGUSTA-- Gambling Control Inspectors in the state are accusing their boss of creating a hostile work environment and changing their work schedule out of retaliation, affecting not only their jobs, but significantly delaying some operations at Maine's two casinos.

Frankie St. Amand , a union representative for the Maine State Employee Association says "This occurred as part of retaliation from director champion as part of a grievance they filed."

"I don't know how you can call it anything but retaliation" adds Gayle Craig, a Gambling Control Inspector at Hollywood Slots and Casino. She's talking about a number of changes made by Maine Gambling Control Unit director Milton Champion without oversight of the Gambling Control Board.

Milton is accused of changing the schedules of casino gambling inspectors, from a 10 hour shift 4 days a week to an 8 hour shift 5 days a week

Before the changes, there was an inspector present at each casino nearly 24/7. Now, they say there's no inspector during overnight hours or on Sundays and Mondays.

"Removing us two days a week is really impacting the casinos" says Craig, "And as far as I'm concerned the public would be interested because when people voted to bring casinos into Maine they voted for strict oversight and he's removing it"

Craig says without inspectors present, there are many tasks that cannot be completed according to board rules and Maine law including: aspects of repairing, moving, and installing slot machines, temporary licensing of employees that forget their credentials, and even helping people who wish to self exclude themselves from Maine casinos due to problem gambling.

Department of Public Safety Commissioner Michael Sauschuck defended champion's actions to the board on Tuesday "I'm incredibly confident and comfortable where we are with the decisions that have been made, they're lawful and they're definitely within the authority of the director and gaming control unit to me"

Both Craig and St. Amand allege Director Champion has a history of skillfully navigating around board rules such as submitting bills to the legislature without prior knowledge of the board. What they really want to see change is oversight. "By removing gaming control unit oversight from various processes he is trying to consolidate power"

We tried to speak with Director Champion at the board meeting, but he declined to be interviewed.