House Speaker Robert DeLeo outlined last week the potential shape of expanded gambling over the coming months. When the House of Representatives released a detailed bill, supporters of casino gambling and slot machines welcomed it, viewing the measure as a means to generate new tax revenue, create thousands of jobs, and provide employment for idle tradesmen. According to the bill, race track owners would face substantial licensing fees—approximately $70 million each—to operate slots, meaning Massachusetts’s four tracks could collectively contribute roughly $300 million to the state in exchange for placing up to 750 slot machines at their facilities. The House bill would authorize two casinos, each requiring $200 million in licensing fees, bringing the total to $400 million for the state treasury and newly established gambling accounts. The bill was well constructed, comprehensible, practical and equitable, I believe. The advantage of gambling expansion in Massachusetts lies in the hundreds of millions in new revenues and fees that track and casino operations would generate, all funded through private investment. Taxpayers face no financial risk. Private capital, rather than state funds or tax incentives, will finance this expansion. Private capital will succeed or fail in this gambling venture, just as Massachusetts taxpayers and residents will benefit or suffer the consequences. No one faces compulsion to visit a casino and gamble any more than taxpayers are currently obligated to purchase Lottery tickets. The quality of life in Massachusetts will remain largely unchanged. Further studies are unnecessary, except perhaps a psychological evaluation for those advocating additional research. The House committee on commerce is anticipated to report favorably on the expanded bill to the House early this week. Following that, the House will vote and pass the measure. It will then proceed to the Senate, where insiders expect it may be reduced, with slots potentially removed. Regardless of the outcome, this represents a sound approach to generating needed revenues and employment. Gambling is not unfamiliar to Massachusetts. It is an established and proven industry poised for growth.
