Legislators in the state of Massachusetts will discuss the issue of expanded gaming in a couple of weeks. That gives both the pro and anti-gaming organizations some time to convince legislators which way they should vote on the issue. On February 10th, 2010, there was intense lobbying happening on Beacon Hill and it was coming from both sides with very different viewpoints on the gaming issue.
Anti-gambling organization United to Stop Slots was represented by President Kathleen C. Norbut. The group presented details of a report that claims that the economic benefits of new casino facilities would not be as big as the pro-gambling organization would lead Massachusetts voters to believe.
The Mohegan Sun, which is the main force behind the plan for expanded casino gaming, showed how the issue of gambling addiction can be handled in a good way. Mohegan Sun is proposing to construct a new casino facility in Palmer. Governor Deval Patrick has long been a supporter of expanded casino resorts in Massachusetts.
Gov. Patrick ran for governor on a platform that was geared towards gaming expansion. Last year, Gov. Patrick had his proposal for casino resorts dismissed by lawmakers. However, this time around, Gov. Patrick has the support of both House Speaker Robert DeLeo and Senate President Therese Murray. Former House Speaker Salvatore DiMasi led the move last year to keep casino resorts out of Massachusetts.
17.02
