Column: Gambling fever in Massachuetts

Thursday, June 7, 2007  

"The Bay State's top politicians are betting on quick, easy cash for the Commonwealth, beyond what the state lottery brings in.

State Treasurer Timothy Cahill recently endorsed a casino or two. He argues that the maxing out of lottery revenues is good reason to search for alternative revenue and predicts casinos could bring the state as much as $1 billion a year.

State Auditor Joseph DeNucci recently declared casino gambling "inevitable." In an interview with State House News Service, DeNucci suggested that House Speaker Salvatore DiMasi, a longtime opponent of gambling, is "warming up to it."

DeNucci also predicted that Governor Deval Patrick, who set up a casino gambling study group, will decide in favor of casinos.

The Mashpee Wampanoag Indians are currently pressuring Patrick to negotiate a binding agreement, called a compact, without any affirmative vote by the Legislature. An Indian-run casino became a possibility when the tribe won federal recognition after a 30-year battle.

The Wampanoags' quest could pave the way for slot machines at race tracks, as well as more casinos. Under Cahill's plan, which would have to be approved and implemented by Patrick and the Legislature, the state would look to develop gambling meccas, which would offer luxury hotels, gourmet restaurants, shopping, and event pavilions. The state would regulate them and get a piece of the action."

Get the Story:
Joan Vennochi: Gambling fever's tight grip (The Boston Globe 6/7)