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Massachusetts is considering a bill that would enable
gambling at state racetracks. They are one of several states who have been
looking into adding gambling and slot machines as a way to increase revenue
to the state. In the fall, the State Senate approved the idea of bringing
2,000 slot machines to each of the state’s four racetracks. The bill now
goes to the House for approval next. If passed, they would join 11 other
states that also allow gambling and slot machines at racetracks – called “racinos”.
Supporters believe that the new bill will bring in roughly $350 million
annually to the state, and revive the racing industry, as well as create new
jobs. They show that a recent Boston Globe poll showed that 51 percent of
state residents are in favor of bringing in the slot machines. They also
point out that their residents spent $89 million in 2005 at two Connecticut
slot machine casinos – and Massachusetts doesn’t get any of the revenue for
that. If residents are going to spend the money anyway, isn’t it better that
they spend it in their own state where it will do the most good?
Opponents however, point out that bringing the slot machines to the state
will only make it easier for the poor to gamble. They show that the poor
will end up paying more into it as they traditionally are the ones who
gamble looking for a quick fix to their money problems. They claim that the
money spent on gambling simply pulls it out of other areas such as museum or
movie goers. They also say that is just paves the way for other casinos,
slot machines, and other types of betting to come in. The lottery
started out small as well and is now a $4.4 billion industry. State Rep.
Daniel Bosley (D) states, “If we [legalize] these slot machines, we
shouldn't be so foolish as to think we can control it. “ They also have the
Governor on their side, as Gov. Mitt Romney is expected to veto the bill
should it make its way to him.
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