Slot machines and casinos would bring some much-needed cash to Massachusetts, if allowed to open shop in the Bay State.
Massachusetts’s gubernatorial candidates were split on whether allowing gambling would be beneficial to the state or would increase crime and addiction.
Democrat Deval Patrick opposes allowing gambling, specifically slot machines at racetracks, in the state because he fears that it would ruin communities and drive problem gamblers into poverty.
But Lt. Gov. Kerry Healey and Independent Christy Mihos both think bringing slot machines to the state would boost state revenue. Healey, though, has spoken out against opening full casinos in the state.
Undoubtedly, there are many benefits to allowing slot machines and casinos to operate in the state — most importantly a spike in tax revenue and new job creation.
In fact, according to a study on the economic impact of gambling conducted by the California State Library, “Las Vegas is a testament of the powerful ability of gambling to foster economic development.
“Because of gambling, Las Vegas has shown impressive job growth, developed into a major city with a low tax burden that many state and local governments look at with envy, and has spawned significant private and public sector investment.”
Closer to home, Mohegan Sun in Connecticut employs about 10,000 workers.
While Massachusetts shouldn’t expect results to the same degree, more revenue and job growth would help lower the already heavy tax burden on residents.
If lawmakers do want to consider legalizing casinos and slot machines during the next legislative session, they must greatly monitor the scope and prevalence of gambling in the state.
First, legislators should make sure that some tax revenue is used to mitigate the negative impact of gambling. A percentage of new revenue should go to a well-thought-out gambling prevention and awareness program, as well as to schools and other public services.
The Lottery in Massachusetts already returns about 23 percent of its revenue to the Local Aid Fund, which gives money to local cities and towns. Non-state gambling establishments should be no different.
While the verdict is still out as to whether casinos and slot machines will some day dot the Massachusetts landscape, with a carefully thought out program and strict law enforcement, gambling would pay hefty dividends to the state.