BestCraps.com

Casinos Continue to Split Massachusetts

Posted on October 14th, 2010

News Sponsored by Online Vegas Casino

Rated 5 Stars by BestCraps.com

Read Review

Visit Casino

Download Software

————————————————

After all these years, it seems that the stalemate in the issue of the building of resort casinos in the state of Massachusetts has not been broken yet. The issue has sparked debate and a divide on Beacon Hill and as of the moment, is still dividing everyone – from lawmakers to the ordinary residents. The bigwigs have had their chance, including the governor, who passed a proposal, but was shot down by the legislators, who may have felt slighted after what they passed to the governor was vetoed. As for the legislators, both House and Senate have been evenly divided into pro and anti in location, number and scope. Casino supporters have been clear that they are in it because of two reasons – jobs and money. They have been quick to claim that the money that should have been generated now by Massachusetts casinos are being earned by tribal casinos like Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods.

As for the jobs it would create, the opponents of the casinos said the costs these casinos would bring like addiction and such would outweigh the income it would generate. The last session of the legislature yet again saw the death of another casino proposal after leaders of the House and Senate did not bother to return to session to have their votes counted. Other legislators though believe that the issue still has a fighting chance. Rep. Michael Costello, (D-Newburyport), said the casino issue has not seen its end yet, and is expecting that the issue will be taken up again by the legislators during the New Year. He says it doesn’t matter whether it will be him or Republican Valentino Troyli, of Amesbury, who will win in the upcoming elections in November. But the two have quite different opinions about the matter. Costello, who has been n the position for seven and a half years already, opined that casinos have a place in Massachusetts and all sectors can reach a compromise and should have something to be happy about.

He commented, “Clearly, we came very close this year. The House plan was a very good plan. It was the right size and scope. For me, the key really was the size.” The House plan included two resort casinos to be constructed plus the addition of slot machines at four racetracks, which will total to 750 slot machines on every racetrack. The legislators claimed that the plan they proposed will add 15,000 employment opportunities for the residents of the state. Moreover, the state would also benefit from licensing fees from the facilities to total to $260 million, with an additional $500 million worth of capital investment from each resort casino and $75 million from each racino. Last week, Costello remarked that the bill was a “jobs and investment” bill. He also added that aside from the casino, he also anticipates additional income opportunities from investments to be done in the area around the facilities, from malls, restaurants and movie theaters, which will also add jobs. Moreover, the income will be returned in the state as it will be sent there.

With the proposal, a plan to converge a gaming commission to supervise the licensing and location of the upcoming gambling facilities to be built is also under way. Moreover, Costello claims that the proposal also considered the issues of the casino opponents, which include gambling addiction. He said, “I understand and I emphasize with that issue. Even though it’s a great economic engine right now, I do understand there’s a real downside to gaming. We are moving in a way that’s cautious and deliberative.” On the other hand, Troyli, as much as he believes that casinos will have a likely future in the state, does not agree with the proposal. He said, People say we should have it for the jobs. My preference is not to have casinos in the state. People, if they want to gamble, they can go down to Connecticut or Atlantic City, or anywhere they want to go.” He adds that problems with alcohol and drugs, aside from gambling addiction will eventually outweigh the benefits that casinos may bring. He believes that gambling will lure most typical Joe the Plumber types into spending in the hopes of hitting the jackpots but in effect will only become a “voluntary tax”.