Indian Gaming > Opinion: Slot machine debate in Massachusetts

April 05, 2006

Opinion: Slot machine debate in Massachusetts

"A recent poll showed that Massachusetts residents may support slot machines because the state is losing tens of millions of gambling dollars to the Connecticut casinos.

Casino fever first gripped the Statehouse in 1993 when former GOP Gov. William F. Weld forged a pact with the Wampanoag Tribe on Martha's Vineyard for casinos and slots at the tracks. The Legislature killed Weld's bill for casinos and then easily defeated every other casino bill that surfaced since that time.

Gov. W. Mitt Romney has signaled he likely would veto a bill for slots. That means a two-thirds vote is needed in the House to assure an override of a possible veto.

State Rep. Daniel E. Bosley, a North Adams Democrat, is planning to lead the opposition in the House. Bosley, who for years has studied the effects of casinos, believes that casinos cause more harm than good.

Bosley said he is concerned that slots would take away from the state Lottery, which sends more than $700 million a year back to cities and towns.

Bosley pointed out that if Massachusetts legalizes slot machines, then an Indian casino won't be far behind. Under federal gaming laws, a federally-recognized tribe such as the Wampanoag is entitled to operate any games that are legal in their home state, Bosley said."

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