Opinion: Gaming a safe bet in Massachusetts

Monday, August 24, 2009  

"Walk with me as we navigate the crowds to watch the high rollers play a time-honored game of chance: betting on the future of Massachusetts casinos.

Move quickly past the carnival sounds of the slot machines and the hushed tones of the blackjack players. The real action can be found where average folks like us aren’t normally allowed – in a backroom packed with some of the biggest names in the casino industry.

I know we’re in the middle of a recession, but you shouldn’t be surprised to see these guys dropping the big bucks to play again this year. They will likely get a receptive audience at the State House, where a hearing on gambling is expected next month and a bill could be sent to Gov. Deval Patrick’s desk by December.

The Senate has generally shown a bit of a soft spot for the industry, but bills to allow slots or full-scale casinos have been stonewalled by previous House speakers Tom Finneran and Sal DiMasi. This time around, there’s a new speaker in charge – Rep. Robert DeLeo – with a much more open attitude about the issue. And the bleak long-term outlook for state revenues has thrown the Legislature’s recurring gambling debate into an entirely new light."

Get the Story:
Jon Chesto: Casino gambling has never been a safer bet in Massachusetts (GateHouse News Service 8/24)

Also Today:
Weighing the odds on gambling (The Ashland Tab 8/21)