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Massachusetts Legislature Bogged Down by Filibusters in Casino Debate

The July 19, 2023, By Bernard Lamoth

Massachusetts ought to be able to license two or three resort casinos along the lines of those in Connecticut without all the baggage being attached by the Legislature.

Unfortunately, this year’s gambling debate, like the one in 2007, has achieved little more than to provide fodder for those opponents who believe gambling has mysterious and corrosive power. More likely, intense lobbying and the prospect of new revenues have mysterious and corrosive power. Either way, the Legislature seems to have succumbed.

If, by the end of the week, the House and Senate cannot agree on a pared-down bill allowing for the siting of two or three resort casinos — and only two or three resort casinos — the Legislature should table the issue for this session and complete other important business. .

The stumbling blocks are substantial. House Speaker Robert DeLeo wants to allow slot machines at racetracks in addition to the casinos, and has tried unsuccessfully to strong-arm Senate President Therese Murray and Governor Patrick into going along. DeLeo’s push is all the more stubborn and insistent because it’s personal: Two of the four race tracks are in his district. .

It’s not unusual for legislative leaders to put their thumbs on the scale for the home districts, but DeLeo shouldn’t put the narrow interests of his district ahead of his role as a statewide leader. Normally soft-spoken and fair-minded, he’s single-minded on this issue, and it hurts the process. To heighten the sense of urgency, DeLeo has been touting racetrack slots as a quick way of generating revenues to make up for cuts in state aid to cities and towns. But lawmakers need to take a longer view, and focus on setting up a regulatory system and casino licensing fees that will serve the state’s larger interests. .

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