Editorial: Recession no excuse to legalize casinos

Tuesday, May 19, 2009  

"Some are blowing on the dice hoping that, sooner or later, it’ll happen; others are just as fervently wishing it won’t.

With a leadership change in the Legislature and cash ever harder to come by in the state, casino gambling in Massachusetts is less of the long shot it seemed 14 months ago after the idea’s defeat.

The Mohegan Tribe has a long-term land lease in Palmer, poised to react if and when Massachusetts gives casino gambling the go-ahead, and has just opened an office on Main Street in that Massachusetts town, 19 miles west of Sturbridge. The tribe operates the Mohegan Sun casino in Uncasville, Conn. Also, the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe still wants to open a casino in Middleboro under a federal law permitting tribes to enter the gaming industry.

The departure of former House speaker Salvatore F. DiMasi improves the hand of those hoping for the change. As leader of the House, Mr. DiMasi was instrumental in stopping Gov. Deval L. Patrick’s push to permit three casinos in the state. New House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo, D-Winthrop, supports expanded gaming, but has said his priority is installing slot machines at existing dog and horse tracks."

Get the Story:
Editorial: Revenue long shot (The Worcester Telegram 5/19)

Related Story:
Tribe opens Palmer casino office (The Palmer Republican 5/19)