Poll Reveals Massachusetts Desire for Slots

A new bill in the Massachusetts Legislature holds the expansion of gambling in an unsteady balance.  A portion of the bill has a very important and controversial slot machines proposal.  However a recent poll has shown indications of how the majority of Massachusetts may really feel about having slot machines in their community. 

The Boston Globe had the University of New Hampshire conduct a poll to get an idea of how the citizens of Massachusetts feels about having slot machines in the state’s four racetracks.  The sample was taken from more than 500 likely voters in Massachusetts.  Of the people surveyed, 53% stood in support of slot machines.  Only 41% were opposed to the idea of slot machines.  The remaining 6% were undecided. 

When asked, nearly one third of the respondents admitted to traveling across state boarders in order to patronize a casino or gaming facility.  One of the arguments made by slot machine supporters is that having slot machines in the state’s racing facilities will keep such recreational dollars in the state as tax revenue.

In addition the polls also indicated a bias among different demographics.  Highly educated respondents tended to oppose gambling.  On the other hand, the group that generally supported gambling was those who had received their high school diploma and some college education.  

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