"As in the past, we continue to have grave concerns about the value of casino gambling in Massachusetts. Opponents say gamers treat a casino as an all-inclusive destination and don't spend much money at surrounding businesses, which means its power as an economic engine, beyond bringing service-industry jobs, might be disappointing.

The Mashpee tribe and its business partners will be the ones making the largest profits, while the rest of the region is likely to face exacerbated social ills. SouthCoast residents, some of them poor and longing for a windfall, spend enough of their income on lottery tickets without the temptation of a casino.

Yet the plan would certainly bring jobs. Further study and reflection on what a casino could mean for New Bedford is warranted.

We support the tribe's right to status as a sovereign nation as a means of reparation for the genocide inflicted on their ancestors. But it's unfortunate that money makes them want to engage in a form of economic development with so many questionable — and perhaps harmful — effects."

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OUR VIEW: Casino belongs in city, if at all (The New Bedford Standard-Times 5/1)