Massachusetts Casinos (New Bedford, Fall River, Haverhill: for sale, crime, pros and cons)

[Noodle]

Well, now that we have a regime change, the new Guv is bringing up the Casino issue (again).
What say you?
Good?
Bad?
No opinion?

I say, bring 'em. I was once opposed, but nobody or no thing is gonna stop people from throwing their money away. So let's keep some of that money here, instead of making the injuns rich. Sure the lottery might suffer. A little maybe. But it won't be terminal.
I just hope the can put one in a central location with smartly built access roads and on public transportation lines.

So jump in here. What'ya think?

[countryman]

Noodle, I think we should, I don't personally gamble,not even scratch-tickets.I do however think it's time for a change to our thinking here.This state is losing residents,& jobs.We need a change in direction,in my opinion.I'm a lifelong Mass.resident,as is all my family.I'm tired of hearing people bashing our state complaining.Let's make changes& improve this state together!Getting back to the casino issue,many people for yrs.have been complaining about why doesn't this state build a casino,how ridiculous it is to have to go to another state to go to a casino.We already have Keno,& lottery here,have for years,why not a casino? As long as it is done the right way,put it in a location that makes good economic sense,what's the big deal? I know & understand about public safety isssues,the concern about crime,etc;I ,like many people,certainly have a concern about crime rising about a casino being built as seems to certainly be a valid concern,but I'm sure we can address these concerns so it is a win-win situation for everyone.People are going to continue to spend their money as they see fit,so why not let the money flow here in our state rather than let it go to others?Bring the revenue here,to help this state just as the mass lottery gives money into our communities to help this state.These are difficult,changing times we live in,we need to adjust to those concerns both pro & con.Thank-you

[wpotsie]

I agree with you, countryman. Next, we should think of an area that would enefit from it the most. I nominate the Fall River - New Bedford area. I doubt that the zoning laws would prevent it from coming. It's also in a good locationright between Providence and the Cape. (Just don't tell me Dudley needs one) LOL!!

[Noodle]

Exactly. Let's keep the money in the state. Sturbridge was bandied about at one time as a location. That's good and central. Remember, us in the western part of the state want reasonable access too!!
At one time Mt. Greylock was being considered. That would be rediculous. (o.k., get out yer maps )
Keep the opinions coming!!

[mdovell]

I can see the pros and cons already. You can see every corner store against this because without a lotto there isn't much else for sale (and since the vote didn't approve alcohol that just leaves cigs...)

People will certainly be more aware that they are gambling if it's a casino rather than a scratch ticket...when they were $1 to $5 I could understand but when they came out with a $10 and then a $20 ticket that's just nuts.

The problem is not all states can do this or it will be overkill.

[capecodcathy]

When this subject resurfaced I contacted a Realtor in CT near one of their casinos. He said it has been very positive for the surrounding communities and the state.
He is actually hoping we DON'T approve it. Less money for CT.

[Phouchg]

I think casinos would be a great idea for Massachusetts. Opponents claim that there are issues with crime, problem gambling etc., but I think the benefits (tax revenue) can outweigh any concerns people have. Here in California I drive past 3 indian casinos on my commute to work every day from Redlands to Palm Desert and I don't have the urge to stop in them every day. I prefer to save my bankroll for my trips to Las Vegas (just a 3 1/2 hour drive from my house).

Whenever I visit Haverhill (like I am doing this summer) I bring my mother to Foxwoods or Mohegan Sun. Judging by all the Mass license plates I see there, I think the CT Treasury thanks us for bringing our money there. "Make it in Massachusetts...spend it in Connecticut". Might as well keep the money in state.

What are some of the sites they are proposing? I recall there was some talk of Salisbury Beach a few years ago.

[haberstroh]

Suffolk Downs the horse race track is another proposed site.

[capecodcathy]

I think Suffolk Downs would be a mess. There would have to be some major traffic changes.

[scarletfire]

One of the problems is that some of the dog race tracks want gambling so they can stay open and become more profitable. But in order to get approved to do so, they have to continue dog racing. Otherwise they'd have to be considered a "new" permit and if they keep up dog racing it's considering an existing permit. So it would keep those businesses doing what they're doing instead of phasing out dog racing.