"With the federal government recognizing the Mashpee Wampanoags as a tribe, whether Massachusetts should or shouldn’t allow expanded gambling is no longer the argument. It is about where to put it and how the state and communities can benefit.

Treasurer Tim Cahill’s conversion in favor of a state-sanctioned casino recognizes the fact that gaming is in our future, but he has the wrong solution.

Wisely he understands that the state cannot run the casino. Can you imagine the problems with a Commonwealth Casino Authority? A state agency or an independent authority overseeing a casino is a hackerama in the making.

None of our independent authorities have been well run and state government has never been known for efficiency. Cahill knows the Big Dig should be a lesson learned and not repeated.

But Cahill’s proposal has merit on paper only. It serves as a good negotiating tactic for the state. Maybe his proposal is just a bluff in a very high stakes gamble over casinos? When Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun were developed, Connecticut negotiated a lucrative deal on revenue splitting along with the site location. Massachusetts should do the same, and the Cahill threat might force a better deal.

If the Legislature and the governor refuse to accept the inevitability of a Massachusetts casino, then we will lose the opportunity to negotiate a steady stream of non-tax revenue, the placement and other economic implications.

Massachusetts should strike a deal before federal officials permit the Middleborough acreage to become a land trust which allows the Wampanoags to proceed and the state loses its bargaining position. "

Get the Story:
Holly Robichaud: Let’s not fold a strong hand (The Boston Herald 5/29)