"The legislation's proviso that Indian tribes have until July to find land to build a casino in southeastern Massachusetts puts this region at a disadvantage, despite arguments to the contrary. The reality is that this was a necessary political deal done to ensure three things:
First, that House Speaker Robert DeLeo could save face by getting a slots parlor into the bill, presumably to protect racing interests; Second, to ensure that Boston would get a casino (remember that next to nothing gets done on Beacon Hill unless Boston benefits); Third, to make a deal with the Indian tribes so they wouldn't open another casino later on without having to pay tribute — that is, taxes — to Massachusetts. The problem is that the legislation will create winners and losers, and the special treatment afforded the tribes is likely to mean one or more lawsuits that could further delay a Massachusetts gaming industry that is years behind everyone else and facing an increasingly tough fight for market share." Get the Story: