STAFF EDIT: ROLLING THE DICE

On Wednesday night, the Massachusetts House voted by a margin of 123
to 32 to authorize Vegas-style casinos in the Bay State. The bill will
allow for three casinos and a slot-machine facility. Many endorsed the
proposal on the basis that it would bring in millions of dollars in
revenue and hundreds of new jobs, but others were firmly against it,
warning against addiction problems, increased crime and other social
issues.

While casinos in Massachusetts may fuel gambling addictions and
increase crime in the surrounding areas, the fiscal benefits will
outweigh the potential risks. In a struggling economy, people tend to
flock to places like casinos in the hopes of winning big, and the
business this will bring in will have tremendous positive impact on
the state’s economy. Many mid-Atlantic casino states projected
significant increases in revenue this year, and such an addition in
Massachusetts can only help. Additionally, businesses like casinos are
generally taxed heavily, which will help the Commonwealth raise
additional funds in a time of need.

Some are concerned that casinos will not fit in with the culture of
Massachusetts and New England in general, but the fact remains that
casinos will still have to adhere to building codes and other
restrictions the cities may put in place. The addition of three
casinos in the entire state will not turn Massachusetts into a
mini-Vegas overnight.

If the people of Massachusetts are complaining about the lack of jobs
available, why should they be opposed to a proposal that would create
hundreds of job opportunities? Even if gambling addiction becomes a
minor problem, private clinics can open up to help these individuals,
which, apart from the good it would do for the afflicted parties,
would create even more jobs and revenue.

Whenever a business like a casino comes to town, there are social
risks involved. But the bottom line is that residents of Massachusetts
and visitors to the area should have the right to make the decision
for themselves as to whether or not they want to gamble. There are
always downsides, but with the potential for so much revenue and so
many new jobs with the addition of just three casinos, the State House
should be applauded for pushing a proposal like this through.