Editorial: Tribal provisions place region at casino disadvantage

Thursday, November 17, 2011  

"The legislation's proviso that Indian tribes have until July to find land to build a casino in southeastern Massachusetts puts this region at a disadvantage, despite arguments to the contrary. The reality is that this was a necessary political deal done to ensure three things:

First, that House Speaker Robert DeLeo could save face by getting a slots parlor into the bill, presumably to protect racing interests;

Second, to ensure that Boston would get a casino (remember that next to nothing gets done on Beacon Hill unless Boston benefits);

Third, to make a deal with the Indian tribes so they wouldn't open another casino later on without having to pay tribute — that is, taxes — to Massachusetts.

The problem is that the legislation will create winners and losers, and the special treatment afforded the tribes is likely to mean one or more lawsuits that could further delay a Massachusetts gaming industry that is years behind everyone else and facing an increasingly tough fight for market share."

Get the Story:
Our View: Massachusetts gets in the casino game (The New Bedford Standard-Times 11/17)

Also Today:
Governor Patrick expected to sign casino bill (AP 11/17)
Casino developers ready to roll (The Boston Herald 11/17)
Massachusetts lawmakers pass casino bill (The Cape Cod Times 11/17)
Raynham Park owner predicts he will get slots, and maybe a full casino (The Brockton Enterprise 11/17)
Speculation surges in Middleboro over impact of casino bil (The Brockton Enterprise 11/17)

Related Stories:
Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe welcomes approval of gaming bill (11/16)
Final vote planned for gaming legislation in Massachusetts (11/15)