Speaker DeLeo announced today his plan for gaming in the Commonwealth — essentially two resort casinos and slots at the race tracks with the revenues spread to multiple goals and constituencies. The speaker’s messaging on the bill is primarily focused on the employment benefits.
Casinos
Casinos are not inevitable
One of the arguments sometimes made in favor of licensing casinos is that Indian tribes in Massachusetts will get full casino licenses under federal law no matter what we do. This appears to be false.
Economic benefits of casinos
The one clear argument in favor of building casinos is job creation. The creation of construction and low skill jobs is real. As to the revenue benefit for the state, the numbers are unclear.
Saying no to Casinos
It’s over for this year. The House voted down the Governor’s casino proposal by a margin of 106 to 48 this evening.
Governor’s casino proposal
I thought you would be interested in receiving Governor Patrick’s press release regarding his casino proposal.