Growing Casino Opposition

The Republican reports on growing casino opposition --

PALMER - Quaboag Valley Against Casinos is ramping up its anti-casino agenda by launching a letter-writing campaign to state legislators and joining United to Stop Slots in Massachusetts, a statewide organization.

EmmaLadd Shepherd, co-president of Quaboag Valley Against Casinos, said the group is working on letters that will ask for a cost-benefit analysis of proposed plans for casinos and slot parlors in Massachusetts.

The letters also will emphasize the group's opposition to slot machines, which she said lead to predatory gambling.

"The casinos want people who keep playing and playing and playing. It preys on them," Shepherd said Friday.

Shepherd said the letters will be finalized at the group's next meeting on Sept. 17 at 7 p.m. at Schoolhouse Commons on Route 20.

Co-president Robert E. Price said the focus of the group is communicating to legislators about its opposition to casinos, especially one in Palmer, where Mohegan Sun wants to build a resort casino across from the turnpike exit on Thorndike Street (Route 32).

"We've encouraged people to write, e-mail and phone legislators," Price said.

Price said he hopes the process again stops with the state House of Representatives. The House last year shot down Gov. Deval L. Patrick's bill to license three casinos in the state.

"Our job will be made so much easier if it simply stops at the House level," Price said.

As for joining United to Stop Slots, Price said his group welcomes aboard anybody who is opposed to slots. Shepherd said United to Stop Slots is comprised of social and religious organizations.