ELLSWORTH — The majority of Hollywood Casino Bangor’s customers are Mainers and the dollars they gamble at the slots, track and gaming tables have a positive effect on the region’s economy, according to General Manager John Osborne.

Osborne spoke Tuesday at the Hancock County Planning Commission’s annual meeting at the Ellsworth Public Library.

He said that since Hollywood Casino Bangor (formerly Hollywood Slots) opened in 2005, it has generated about a quarter of a billion dollars in revenue. The business employs more than 400 people and has an annual payroll of about $11 million.

A dealer makes about $40,000 a year, Osborne noted.

He said that gaming has “multiplying effects.” Customers stay in the casino hotel or other accommodations, eat at the buffet and frequent nearby businesses.

“We’re sort of like the anchor store at the mall,” he said.

The state and city of Bangor have collected millions in tax dollars.

Maine has one of the highest gaming tax rates, according to Osborne.

“We truly have a 50/50 partner with the state,” he said.

Gaming tax revenue supports harness racing and the Healthy Maine Fund.

The city of Bangor receives about $5 million a year in taxes, he said.

Osborne said the city has done a good job of reinvesting those dollars. One of the greatest examples is the arena under construction across the street, he said.

Hollywood Slots first opened in 2005, in a temporary location in the former Miller’s restaurant. The current waterfront facility, which cost about $135 million to build, opened in 2008.

For more business news, pick up a copy of The Ellsworth American.