Casino Gambling in Massachusetts

Casino gambling in Massachusetts

Legalized gambling has become an accepted form of entertainment in the United States, with every state except Hawaii and Utah offering some form of gambling. According to the Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling, more than 80 percent of Americans participate in some form of legalized gambling. Legalized gambling is an attractive option to state governments facing tightening fiscal constraints. On September 17, 2007 Governor Deval Patrick unveiled his proposal to bring casino gambling to Massachusetts. I believe that casino gambling should be legalized in Massachusetts because it will produce growth in employment, revenue for the state, and in a free enterprise economy, it is within our American rights not only to participate in casino gambling but enable casinos to enter Massachusetts as well.

As of September 15, 2011 the unemployment rate in Massachusetts is at 7.4% (Workforce Development). Most industries in America have been hit hard by the recession. However, construction has taken a huge hit in unemployment due to the lack of financing because of the increase in credit regulation. The opening of casinos in Massachusetts cannot help but to create jobs. Initially construction companies and local contractors will probably be high in demand. According to Boston.com, Governor Deval Patrick has predicted the creation of approximately 30,000 construction jobs. There will also be jobs inside the casino as well. Many of these may include entry level positions but the casino will have management positions and training programs as well.

Opponents of this legislation may argue that the number of projected jobs maybe inflated due to the growth of electronic slot machines and other forms of automated gambling. While this may true, litigants must also look at the jobs that will created by the constructions of malls and plazas around the casino. While this may take time to develop, any job creation in the short term or the long term should not be ignored. In a representative government politicians need to act on behalf of the people’s ideas. I believe that our state government needs to represent the people’s idea that we need to create more employment and help the unemployed American.

Another reason for Massachusetts to pass this legislation is that will bring in revenue for the state. According to Boston.com the proposed bill would give the state 25 cents of every dollar in casino gambling revenue, placing Massachusetts in the middle of the pack nationally. The bill also will authorize one slot machine parlor, taxed at 49 percent. Casinos will pay a state licensing fee of at least $85 million, while the slot parlor will pay a $25 million licensing fee. The kick back from casinos in Connecticut is considerable. Many Massachusetts residents have long wondered why they were being forced to travel all the way to Connecticut to spend money at casinos