OXFORD — Black Bear Development, the company building Maine’s first casino, announced Tuesday that it has partnered with Silverton Casino on the gaming project.

Las Vegas-based Silverton Casino has agreed to support and develop the operations at the Maine casino, which is currently under construction on Route 26.

Silverton will be in charge of the casino’s day-to-day operations, including the casino’s layout and security.

The casino, approved by voters through referendum in November 2010, is expected to open in the spring of 2012.

According to a Black Bear press release, Craig Cavileer, president of Silverton Casino, said he is pleased to bring his company’s extensive expertise to Maine.

“We are privileged to have the opportunity to work with Black Bear,” Cavileer said in the release.

“As the only casino in Las Vegas that was designed to replicate the look and feel of a true New England lodge, we believe that our Silverton team is uniquely positioned to make this exciting Maine project a resounding success.”

Scott Smith, Community Development Director for Black Bear, said Silverton will act as a consultant to Black Bear Development’s ownership group.

“Silverton is going to be leading the search for the general management and the chief financial officers,” Smith said. He said the Las Vegas casino will help Black Bear fulfill Gambling Control Board requirements for the casino.

Both companies also announced that executive recruitment will begin Wednesday, Sept. 21, for the new casino, the first full casino with table games in northern New England. For information, go to www.MaineCasino.com

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