Casino gambling in the Northeast is becoming commonplace. After several states entered the market last year, Maine is set to become the latest state to enter into the competition to become the top gaming destination on the East Coast.

Hollywood Casino Bangor, formerly Hollywood Slots Hotel and Raceway, received final approval this week on a gaming license in Main. The approval opens the door for a grand opening in March. It also marks a time when casino gambling is becoming as popular as ever in the Northeast, and many gamblers are excited about the new opportunity.

"I had been playing poker online for a while, and every once in a while I take a trip to Atlantic City," said Caleb Grant. "But this is going to be a completely different experience. To have the ability to go to a casino on any day will be great. I don't anticipate going more than a couple times a month, but just having the opportunity if I want to go on any given day is exciting."

The Maine Gambling Control Board put the finishing touches on the licensing of Hollywood Casino Bangor on Tuesday. Now that the casino is officially licensed, it opens the door for supply companies to sell equipment necessary for the casino to open, supplies such as poker chips, cards, and tables for the games.

"They are looking at a March 16th opening," said Patrick Fleming, Executive Director of the Gambling Control Board. "We also licensed Gaming Products International as a table game distributor, and we're in the process of licensing all their new gaming employees."

This type of excitement has been making its way across the Northeast over the past few years. Pennsylvania, Maryland, New York, and Vermont have all gone through the process of licensing new casinos. Residents of all the states have been the beneficiaries of hundreds of millions of dollars in gambling tax revenue that has been used to balance state budgets and supply necessary funding for community projects.