Slots May Have a Shot
Massachusetts slots supporters believe legislation allowing the machines at the state’s four racetracks has the best chance of passing in years:
“My sense of this vote is we have a really good chance — the best chance we have ever had,” said Louis Ciarlone, president of Local 123 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, which represents 200 Suffolk Downs workers. “This is the World Series.”
A vote on the slots bill passed by the Senate last fall (or one very like it) has been scheduled in the House for the week of March 20. The Senate bill was approved by a veto-proof majority; the same is not expected of the House vote.
More: Opponents worry slots will infringe on lottery revenue:
State Treasurer Timothy P. Cahill, who opposes slot machines at the racetracks, said it’s an open question how much the lottery would be affected. But he’s convinced it will suffer.
A report from Christiansen Capital Advisors in January concluded that it wouldn’t.
