Editorial: Don't bet on gaming in Massachusetts

Wednesday, February 4, 2009  

"When asked last year to place a bet on legalizing casinos in Massachusetts, the Legislature folded. Opponents, led by House Speaker Sal DiMasi, questioned whether the resort casinos proposed by Gov. Deval Patrick would produce as many jobs or as much state revenue as Patrick predicted. The House shot down Patrick's bill by a wide margin.

Almost a year later, with the unemployment rate climbing, any new jobs look good. With the state budget deep in the hole, the need for new revenue is much more pressing. DiMasi has left the building, passing the speaker's gavel to Rep. Robert DeLeo, D-Winthrop, a gambling proponent whose district includes two racetracks.

"Let the games begin," Patrick said minutes after DeLeo's election.

Not so fast. Other things have changed in the last year. Casinos across the country are losing business, adding to the revenue woes of states that have profited from gambling for years. Foxwoods in Connecticut cut 700 jobs in November. Mohegan Sun has cut the pay of its workers."

Get the Story:
Editorial: Late bet on casinos may not pay off (Gatehouse News Service 2/4)