Slot Machines Helpless to Save Tracks

Signs point to ‘no’ for gambling expansions in Massachusetts.  House legislators are not ready to roll the dice on slots. 

After an incredible lack of support, the bill was decisively rejected.  The bill would have allowed each of the states four racetracks to install 2,000 slot machines.   

The real fear facing the bill supporters is that the devastating 100-to-55 defeat would be the final blow needed to wipe out the states racetracks.  Many Massachusetts racetracks hoped slot machines would rake in the need revenue to save their falling businesses.

On the other hand, opponents of the bill, such as House Speaker Sal DiMasi, feel slot machines would not bring nearly as many benefits as it would social disturbances.   Last year, the bill received significant support in the Senate.  Governor Romney stated earlier that he fully intended to veto the measure.

In spite of the defeat of the slot machine bill, the House did, in a separate vote, extend out-of-state simulcasting at Massachusetts racetracks.   The extension was already approved by the Senate.

Three of Massachusetts four racetracks closed last week when the old simulcasting agreement expired.  State lawmakers spent the duration of the contract disputing the issue.  In the mean time, thousands of people were released from their jobs.

- Back to Slots Latest