League of Women Voters of Massachusetts

BOSTON-The League of Women Voters of Massachusetts has joined forces with the anti-casino coalition United to Stop Slots in Massachusetts.

The non-profit coalition, comprised of citizens, taxpayers, activists and statewide organizations across the political spectrum, works to educate and inform citizens and Legislators of the negative economic and social effects of casino gambling.

The League of Women Voters of Massachusetts has opposed allowing casino gambling in the state since 1982, and actively lobbied against casino legislation last year.

Louise Haldeman, the casino gambling specialist for the League's Program and Action Committee, is the League's representative to the United to Stop Slots board of directors.

"While casinos would bring in some revenue and some jobs, costs associated with those jobs, the impact on local communities and businesses, and the impact on families will far outweigh the benefit," said Haldeman.

The League of Women Voters opposes the legalization of casino gambling, believing the demands for social and municipal services, police protection and the establishment of a state regulating body outweigh any benefits from increased employment, tourism and tax revenue.

"The League's fiscal positions reinforce that an economic crisis cannot be cured by legalizing casino gambling nor can sustainable revenue be created with the introduction of this industry into the Commonwealth," said Zaxaro Bennett, president of the state League.

Since 1983 the League has presented testimony to oppose the legalization of casino gambling and has worked with organizations that share this goal. LWVMA will continue to work to defeat any bills that would provide for the legalization of casino gambling in Massachusetts.