Grown men cower

Those Gambling Vultures, so eager to suck discretionary income from local economies don't want to share the stage with the meanies who opppose Slot Barns in Massachusetts.

First, the speaker was to be a representative from Suffolk Downs. Then it was to be a Wynn representative (you know? the organization salivating to provide 'family friendly' entertainment to Foxborough after the line was moved on the map? The organization now mired in shareholders' lawsuits and being investigated by the SEC for FCPA violations?)

Do you suppose it's because they might be forced to acknowledge that they track 'LOYALTY PLAYERS' ? Or that they change the Slot Machine payouts? That there are no CONSUMER PROTECTIONS for Slot Machines?

Would they have to publicly acknowledge that their profits come from GAMBLING ADDICTS (as study after study has proven)?

Or just maybe a representative of Caesars would have to acknowledge that they're mired in debt and selling off properties - is it $20 BILLION?

Would a representative from Suffolk Downs have to address the massive infrastructure costs?

What are they afraid of? The TRUTH?

MassVegas: A Building a Better Commonwealth Forum (sponsored by the Boston Globe)
Seaport World Trade Center, 200 Seaport Blvd., Boston, MA, 02210

Register online here: http://www.eventbrite.com/event/3327244879/efblike

This year's Building a Better Commonwealth series themed "The Tough Issues that Won't Just Resolve Themselves" kicks off with a controversial and stimulating discussion.

The debate over whether to legalize casinos was only the first step. The state must now decide how many and what kind of casinos to license and where to put them -- a process that will be contentious and could significantly change the character of many communities.

This event will host a panel of civic, political and business leaders involved in the decision process. Moderated by the Globe’s Deputy Editorial Page Editor, Dante Ramos, the conversation will aim to provide a well-rounded information and clarity to this important topic.

Panelists

Richard McGowan, SJ
Adjunct Associate Professor, Carroll School of Management, Boston College
Author of 5 books, latest titled: Government and the Transformation of the Gaming Industry

John F. Ribeiro
Lifelong East Boston and Winthrop resident
Founding Member of “Neighbors of Suffolk Downs”

Karen Spilka
Massachusetts State Senator, 2nd Middlesex and Norfolk

Schedule

5:30 – 6:00p REGISTRATION
6:00 – 7:15p CONVERSATION
7:15 – 8:00p NETWORKING RECEPTION


About the Building a Better Commonwealth forum:

The Boston Globe’s ‘Building a Better Commonwealth’ is an initiative designed to convene experts and innovators to engage in thought-provoking dialogue about issues and opportunities that exist in Massachusetts. Through an ongoing series of dynamic events and constructive conversations on digital, mobile and social media platforms, the Globe invites participants and audience members to share fresh ideas and recommendations for making MA a better place to live and work. #betterma