Maine casino inspectors have published a letter in which they allege that the head of the state’s Gambling Control Unit has created a toxic work environment. [Image: Shutterstock.com]

Lengthy allegations

Casino inspectors have published an open letter in which they express they have no confidence in the current Maine Gambling Control Unit Executive Director, claiming that Milton Champion created a toxic workplace, and highlighting multiple issues that arose during his time in charge.

letter alleged the chief even retaliated against the group and the individuals

Each of the state’s nine casino inspectors put their name to the letter published on Wednesday and talked about the “lack of respect” Champion showed for the legal rights and processes they’re entitled to under their union contract. The letter alleged the chief even retaliated against the group and the individuals, leading to a toxic workplace.

The inspectors are seeking Champion’s removal from the position he has held since 2016, as they believe he lacks the competence to properly run the department.

Serious concerns

Among the allegations is that Champion tried going around the Maine Gambling Control Board’s oversight to make his own decisions on important matters. He has also made attempts to deregulate the state’s casinos without getting feedback from the public or current stakeholders.

The role of a casino inspector is to ensure that gaming properties are compliant with all relevant rules, including inspecting table games, gaming equipment, and the cashier cage.

The inspectors even have ongoing complaints regarding incorrect pay and say their boss has refused to come to the table to discuss changes regarding remuneration and work schedules, which means that inspectors no longer oversee the operations at the two casinos in Maine on Sundays or Mondays.

An uncertain next step

Maine Gambling Control Board Chair Steven Silver acknowledged to the Portland Press Herald that he saw the letter and he has some concerns about the decision to alter the schedules. He did note that everything had run “very smoothly and very profitably” under Champion’s leadership.

not sure if his own board will be taking any action on the back of the letter

Silver said that any issues regarding the work environment are under the purview of the Department of Public Safety and he’s not sure if his own board will be taking any action on the back of the letter.

This is not the first time Champion has courted controversy, serving a one-week suspension in May 2023 after tweets came to light of him using racist connotations and sexist terms.