Work begins for Mass Gam[bl]ing Commission

Work begins for Mass Gam[bl]ing Commission
First meeting held Tuesday at UMass Boston
Published : Tuesday, 10 Apr 2012

Christine Lee, 22News State House Correspondent
BOSTON (WWLP) - The Massachusetts Gam[bl]ing Commission is on its way to building the state's gambling industry from the ground up. The recently-created board held its first public meeting at UMass Boston on Tuesday.

The influential commission began their first public meeting by adopting a mission statement promising to "provide the greatest possible economic development benefits and revenues to the people of the Commonwealth" and "reduce to the maximum possible extent… the potentially negative or unintended consequences of the new legislation."

They also interviewed gaming consultants. One team from New Jersey warned of corruption in the gaming industry and emphasized their experience in dealing with it.

“The issue with corruption is unfortunately across the United States and we wouldn't be surprised if something happens along the way, but you've got a strong legislation which we've seen and you've got all the right pieces in place, and we think we can contribute a lot to help expedite the process,” said Jim Darcy of the firm Michael & Caroll.

Jennifer Baruffaldi of the group Citizens for Jobs and Growth in Palmer is supportive of the commission’s work.

“I feel they are doing their due diligence in conducting in carrying out the legislation that the governor voted-in in November, which is very exciting in itself,” Baruffaldi said.

The commission also addressed some housekeeping matters: they elected Commissioner James McHugh as Secretary and Commissioner Enrique Zuniga as Treasurer of the Commission.

Over the next several months, the commission will continue to gather data and conduct public hearings to inform their decisions in licensing three resort-style casinos and one slots parlor in Massachusetts. They expect these to be fully operational within three to five years.