Scott Harshbarger

As you probably saw, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo is now saying that, despite having five Indian casinos and nine racinos, New York should consider allowing full commercial gaming. The history in just 10 short years there is a helpful lesson for Massachusetts legislators, the Patrick administration and regulators considering legalization here. Scott Harshbarger released the following statement directed toward the upcoming Massachusetts debate.



Statement of Scott Harshbarger, founder and president of Citizens for a Stronger Massachusetts


“Not content with five Indian casinos and slots at nine tracks, the Governor of New York State is now considering allowing full commercial casinos into the state - a shining example of the inevitable pressures for expansion, and the culture of dependence and greed casino gambling creates. New York's example is a crystal clear and very instructive lesson for all of us in Massachusetts, including our legislators, regulators and the Patrick administration.


“The experience in New York and 37 other states and around the globe proves that local leaders who claim they will - or even can - set a limit such as three casinos and one slot barn in Massachusetts are, sadly, just plain wrong. It is time for all of our elected officials to do their homework, to update outdated cost-benefit analyses and have a full, transparent debate about the pros and cons of welcoming this industry to Massachusetts before, not after, making a bad bet on our economic and cultural future.”