Gambling

Convictions shouldn’t preclude all casino jobs

Rolling the Dice/ Opinion

Convictions shouldn’t preclude all casino jobs

Finding a legislative fix may make for interesting politics

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THE MGM SPRINGFIELD CASINO is scheduled to open late next year, and casino managers are worrying about how they’ll fill all the jobs that will need filling. The big problem: a section of the 2011 casino law that requires the Massachusetts Gaming Commission to prohibit the employment of any casino job applicant who was convicted of(...)

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Casino clash

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The debate over casinos in Massachusetts clearly isn’t settled yet. Sen. Jamie Eldridge of Acton says a recent change in state law allowing casinos to continue serving alcohol two hours longer is proof that “our worst fears about casinos are coming to fruition.” He says the new 4 a.m. “last call” is not only a(...)

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Worst casino fears coming to fruition

Rolling the Dice

Worst casino fears coming to fruition

Gambling palaces are dangerous to local communities

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IT DIDN’T TAKE LONG for the powerful casino industry to muscle its way into Massachusetts politics. Beginning in the early 2000s, corporate lobbyists began giving unprecedented amounts of money to elected officials on Beacon Hill to convince them to support expanded gambling. By 2009, leadership in the House, Senate, and the corner office all supported(...)

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Wynn changing Everett — for the better

Rolling the Dice/ Opinion

Wynn changing Everett — for the better

Casino will help, not hurt, local businesses

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THE MASSACHUSETTS GAMING ACT was enacted by the Legislature in 2011 specifically to create new jobs, generate new tax revenue, and propel local economic growth. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission, the entity created by the Legislature and charged with maximizing the potential for the spinoff economic development potential of this new industry, works hard every day(...)

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Lawmakers kick the can on horse racing

Lawmakers kick the can on horse racing

House, Senate pass bill maintaining simulcasting status quo

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THE MASSACHUSETTS LEGISLATURE on Wednesday extended the existing simulcasting system for horse and dog racing for another year, essentially kicking the can down the road on proposals to revamp the regulatory and business framework for thoroughbred racing in Massachusetts. The legislation, if it is signed by Gov. Charlie Baker, will allow Suffolk Downs to continue(...)

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Are thoroughbreds a good bet for the state?

Rolling the Dice/ Summer 2017

Are thoroughbreds a good bet for the state?

Beacon Hill struggling with subsidies for the sport of kings

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TEN HORSES SHOOT OUT of the gate with Simply Mas moving quickly to take the lead. The pack bunches up at the first turn, with Worth the Worry moving up on the inside and Goodbyeguinessbok gaining ground on the outside.  As they head down the stretch, Simply Mas fades and Worth the Worry surges to(...)

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Beating the craps out of each other

Summer 2017

Beating the craps out of each other

A Massachusetts-Connecticut border war over gambling stirs fears of an Atlantic City meltdown

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Illustration by Phil Foster CASINOS ARE ABOUT GAMBLING. Take away the restaurants, the shops, and the entertainment and what remains is the foundational reason for a casino’s existence—getting people to come and leave their money behind, lured by the slim chance they might walk away with a fatter wallet. Those who build and operate the(...)

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Crosby: Thoroughbred racing can be saved

Rolling the Dice

Crosby: Thoroughbred racing can be saved

Asks lawmakers for control of horse racing funds

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THE STATE’S ON-THE-ROPES thoroughbred racing industry can be resurrected, the chairman of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission said in a letter to the Legislature on Wednesday. Stephen Crosby, the chairman of the commission, acknowledged in his letter that the thoroughbred industry is on the verge of losing its one operating track, which plans to hold only(...)

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Leave horse race fund for the horses

Opinion

Leave horse race fund for the horses

Pot of gambling money is working as intended – for harness racing

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IT’S BUDGET SEASON at the Massachusetts State House and once again this year there have been some efforts to raid the Race Horse Development Fund to help address the state’s revenue shortfall. Proponents of this step argue that horse racing is a fading industry in Massachusetts and that gaming revenue placed in the fund could(...)

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Gaming Commission: Hands off horse fund

Rolling the Dice

Gaming Commission: Hands off horse fund

Members seem eager to revive thoroughbred racing

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STILL HOPEFUL THEY CAN REVIVE thoroughbred racing in the state, the members of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission on Thursday said they intend to lobby lawmakers to leave intact a fund designed to prop up the industry. A number of proposals have surfaced on Beacon Hill in recent weeks to tap the Horse Race Development Fund,(...)

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