DEAR SUN SPOTS: I have a good question for you. I believe a lot of people would be very interested in the answer.
In Maine, we have Hollywood Slots. I go only four times a year for a change of pace and to see how well we do.
By the rules of the gaming commission, what percentage does the house take and what does the player receive?
Hopefully you can find the answer. You’ve helped so many over the years. Thanks. — Mac, Lewiston
ANSWER: Sun Spots contacted Scott A. Woods, auditor for the Department of Public Safety’s Gambling Control Board, who said:
“The players have to receive at least 89 percent of the revenues generated by the house. Hollywood Slots, since the beginning, has never reached this percentage; they have always been above it by at least a percentage point.”
You might also be interested in this tidbit that Sun Spots also found at bangordailynews.com, “Hollywood Slots, Maine’s first and only gambling facility, pays 39 percent of net proceeds to the state, which is spread out to a number of different agencies. In 2008, more than $17 million was paid out.”
DEAR SUN SPOTS, On March 14 the Sun Journal had a story about a former Marine, Raymond Miller, who co-authored a book titled “From the Volcano to the Gorge: Getting the Job Done on Iwo Jima.” I would like to purchase this book for my husband, another former Marine, for his birthday in May.
I went to Walden’s at the Auburn Mall, and they were unable to even locate it within their computer, and I was told to go home and Google it. I did try that, but was unable to obtain an address at which to locate Mr. Miller.
You have provided excellent service in the past. What kind of results can you provide me? Thank you for any assistance you can render. — No Name via e-mail
ANSWER: The answer Sun Spots is about to render will annoy many people, including her and undoubtedly the manager of Auburn’s Walden’s. All too often these days books are no longer widely available in local bookstores and have to be ordered online. That’s OK if the store can get the book for the customer who doesn’t have a computer, but Mr. Miller’s book does not appear to be available online at either www.borders.com (the online partner for Walden’s) or Barnes and Noble.
Amazon.com, the Walmart of booksellers, does have it, however. For those who lack a computer, the phone number to order it is 1-800-201-7575. The paperback is $16.95 plus shipping. The Kindle version is $9.95.
DEAR SUN SPOTS: Thank you for your response to the March 15 inquiry of the whereabouts of my book, “Imperfect Love.” Should you be contacted again, please let readers know that along with it being available at the library it can be purchased as an eBook for Kindle. Also, a soft-cover printed book will be available as of May 1. Anyone wishing to reserve a copy may do so by calling 783-7715 or 577-3240. Happy day. — J.C. Soucier via e-mail
DEAR SUN SPOTS: One of your readers in the March 16 column was looking for books on the Divine Will by Luisa Piccarreta. I am an author and have written a book called “Life of the Mystic Luisa Piccarreta, Journeys in the Divine Will — the Early Years.” It is available on Amazon.com in paperback or for Kindle and is read in Divine Will study groups. The website for the book is www.lifeofluisa.com. Peace. — Frank Rega, frankrega@verizon.net, www.frankrega.com
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