Massachusetts: On the Brink of Folly

To the editor:

Once again it looks like Massachusetts is on the brink of the folly of legalizing casino gambling in this state. It was probably only a matter of time until the huge lobbying campaign financed by the “gaming industry” (Isn’t that a wonderful sounding euphemism, like referring to prostitution as the “pleasuring industry”?) led politicians and media to “see the light.”

As a clergyman, I considered attempting once again to discuss the morality of the gambling issue. But we’ve really already made that decision as a state when we legalized gambling in church (parish hall bingo gambling), retail stores (lottery gambling) and restaurants (keno gambling). Gambling is really not a moral issue in Massachusetts any more than the issue of blue laws on Sunday.

The main issue is an economic one. Despite the noble efforts of Senator Steve Brewer to get the legislative and executive branches to authorize the first objective cost benefit study done by persons not already committed to casinos, we seem to be moving forward based on bogus economic projections and empty promises. We might have justified this twenty years ago, when there was little data available; today it is inexcusable in the light of the experiences of dozens of states and communities. You hear, “It’s a done deal.” In statewide polling, in answer to ‘Do you think casino gambling should be legal in Massachusetts?” voters answer yes by roughly 60% to 30%. Game over. (No one ponders the significance of the numbers when voters are asked, “Would you like a casino in your community?” and “No” is the answer, also about 60% to 30%.

If approved and licensed, the state and local governments must have as their motto: “Monitor, monitor, monitor.” The vast sums of money the “gamers” are pouring into lobbying for approval will then be turned, as US experience shows, to pressure for modification and exemptions. Watch the areas of free drinks to gamblers, waiver of smoking prohibitions, modification of odds for winning, reduction in local contributions, and erosion of agreements for union labor. And with a casino already built, the “too big to fail” line of reasoning will be used.

Do not be deceived. The issue is not “destination resort casinos.” (Swiss billionaire to trophy wife: “Let’s go to a casino this weekend. Would you prefer Monte Carlo, Dubai, or Palmer?” Get real.) The issue is slots, marketing and preying on the weakest in our society. Now maybe that’s a moral issue to think about.

Bob Price
Springfield Republican