Gambling on the Slots in Massachusetts

State senators are putting forward a proposal to establish slot machine gambling in Massachusetts. This could pave the way for full-scale Indian casinos in the state.

Senators and supporters of the plan are confident that they can get enough support to pass the bill. Supporters of the proposal believe that the state can generate between $200 million and $300 million per year just by authorizing slot machines.


That money would help the state manage a $3 billion budget gap next year. You can’t help feeling that in troubled times those financial figures could sway any vote.


It is thought that by as early as next Friday the issue will be heavily debated. Which way the issue will go is not really clear when you consider that only last month two bills were rejected which would have authorised slot machines in four racetracks and other sites within the state.


Perhaps the biggest worry is that this could open the door for other avenues of gambling, most obviously the Native American casinos. Antigambling forces are likely to clash with the gambling community on this one.