The expanded gaming bill remains a possibility. Should the legislature reconvene, the legislation could potentially move forward. This scenario becomes plausible given that Massachusetts is slated to receive $675 million in federal funding, which would necessitate legislative action to determine its allocation. The governor has strategically removed from the bill language that would have granted the legislature spending authority. Both chambers would likely seek to return to session promptly to override the governor’s decision – enabling them to direct the funds and receive credit for doing so rather than ceding that authority to the executive branch. The legislature now faces a choice: either risk political damage by failing to reconvene, or return to session and simultaneously revive the gaming bill for passage. Whether this scenario materializes remains uncertain.
Remarkably, as the expanded gambling proposal appeared increasingly unlikely to advance, observers close to the matter grew more convinced it could ultimately succeed. Suffolk Downs’ ownership, which effectively controls Wonderland, has refrained from implementing layoffs, shuttering operations, or overhauling their business approach at this time. The operators of Suffolk Downs seek only to bid on a casino license. The facility has no interest in slots. Similarly, Wonderland, which Suffolk Downs owns, is not pursuing slots. This protracted back-and-forth has illuminated a fundamental truth: conducting business with government – or government attempting to do business – proves to be an extended, intricate undertaking where personalities often outweigh business acumen. The result has been a deadlock, with the legislature stalled, the governor stalled, and private investors prepared to commit as much as $1 billion left stalled. The fate of the expanded gaming bill now hinges on whether political leaders can find common ground or remain divided.
Should the bill fail, no massive public demonstrations will materialize, with throngs gathering at the state house demanding casinos and slots. This issue lacks the capacity to mobilize people in such fashion. Should it pass, a casino license awarded to Suffolk Downs would provide an economic boost of historic magnitude to the local economy. Absent this economic stimulus, one must ask: what alternative exists to fill that void? We are compelled to contemplate that question.