Massachusetts Adding Slot Machines? 

Governor Elect Deval Patrick is considering the possibility of adding slot machines to the state. He said he is leaving the possibility of them open and waiting to see what time brings. Governor Mitt Romney has long been extremely anti-slot machines so this signals a large change from where the state has been sitting on the slot machine issues. 

Patrick said he wants to see what benefits and pitfalls they would be facing if he chooses to legalize slot machines. He has said that besides slot machines he might even consider legalizing actual casinos as well. He said he remembers playing the slot machines at Foxwoods with his late mother over in Connecticut.

“I have more homework to do,” Patrick said. “I’ve spent more time, candidly, with the opponents than I have with the proponents, and the issues raised about what the social costs really are . . . not that I am opposed to gambling.”  

The state’s racetracks have been begging for slot machines for years, to no avail. They are all struggling financially, and slot machines could do much to increase their revenue. They say that without the legalization of slot machines they may be forced to close their doors, which means thousands out of jobs.

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