Casino Math: Some Still Don't Get IT

The Boston Herald published the article below including this sentence:

Cahoon’s organization collaborated with representatives from Suffolk Downs, Mohegan Sun and the state lottery to draft legislative recommendations to address problem gambling.

That meeting was held behind closed doors, because as Kathi-Anne Reinstein, a Revere Democrat who organized the SECRET CLOSED DOOR briefing, told the News Service the session was closed TO THE PUBLIC so state reps would "feel comfortable to ask any questions without having any type of criticism'' and surely at the request of gambling interests who can make undisputed wild promises that are unsubstantiated and never be held accountable.

As my friend, Gladys pointed out Bob DeLeo Hears Gambling Opponents “loudly and clearly” . Too bad the Speaker simply doesn't get IT.

The rosy promises and enticing figures simply don't work!


Sides open Beacon Hill gambling debate with reports

The casino gambling debate is heating up on Beacon Hill today as groups representing industry executives and problem gambling experts and casino opponents make separate pitches.

The Massachusetts Partnership for Responsible Gambling is set to unveil its recommendations for “minimizing the harm” of expanded gambling at a State House press conference this morning.

Later today, United to Stop Slots in Massachusetts will unveil a report it says debunks the “pretty outrageous claims of revenues and projections” pushed by the gambling industry.


Both events are unfolding in the shadow of House lawmakers, who are drafting proposals to authorize casinos and racetrack slot machines.

“Massachusetts can really become a leader in minimizing the harms of gambling,” said Margot Cahoon, spokeswoman for the Massachusetts Council on Compulsive Gambling.

Cahoon’s organization collaborated with representatives from Suffolk Downs, Mohegan Sun and the state lottery to draft legislative recommendations to address problem gambling.

Examples of such measures are providing funds for problem gambling treatment and prevention and requiring casino and slot machine operators to let patrons self-exclude at casinos.

The anti-slot machine group USS Mass is also holding a press conference to discuss the findings of its “Casino Math” report.

The report found local aid to cities and towns will be drained by expanded gambling because of the 10 percent hit the state lottery will take if casinos are built. The report also found 40,000 new gamblers will have to take their chances every day to create the $200 million in new tax revenue some have promised.

“When people are spending their money, throwing it into a casino or slot machine it goes out of state,” said USS Mass President Kathleen Conley Norbut. “They don’t have the money to buy the traditional services and goods in our local economy. Those are the things that have really been ignored.”