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State Issues Archive

Romney to Racetracks: Drop Dead

Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney makes no secret of his political aspirations. He dreams of winning the 2008 Republican presidential nomination and then the presidency, which means his policy positions on everything from birth control to health care to public security are pitched more to the narrow interests of the social conservative wing of his political party than to the desires of Commonwealth citizens. Fortunately, we’re not usually burdened by his politics because the Democrat-controlled legislature does a pretty good job of keeping the governor’s red state leanings in check. Unfortunately for racing fans, that won’t be the case when slots legislation finally comes to Romney for his signature.
A proposal to put 3,500 VLTs in the state’s four racetracks and at one unspecified location in western Massachusetts is likely to be debated in the legislature this month or sometime in October, and it enjoys a narrow majority of support. The prospect of slots legislation passing in Massachusetts hasn’t looked so promising in years, which is good news for the state’s struggling and sole remaining thoroughbred track, Suffolk Downs. But when anti-gambling crusaders in Iowa heard Massachusetts might expand gaming, they pouted and threatened “to hamper ticket sales for a Republican ‘Steak Fry’ fund-raiser in Dallas County, Iowa” (Boston Globe) unless Romney pledged to come out against any such legislation.
And guess what, Romney caved, writing in a letter to the editor published in today’s Globe:

Got that? Romney will veto any slots legislation passed in Massachusetts this year, making it highly unlikely that the state will get slots in time to save Suffolk Downs from development. What remains of the state’s thoroughbred racing industry and the jobs it supports will be sacrificed to one man’s ambition and the prissy priorities of a bunch of bluenose Iowans.

Posted in State Issues on September 16, 2005

It’s the Racing

Or, how to grow without relying on slots. Knowing that the machines won’t be legalized in Virgina anytime soon, or possibly ever, “Colonial Downs, which is in its ninth year, is something of a throwback in the racing industry, a facility that is counting on building a better racing product through year-round simulcasting at a wide-ranging network of off-track betting sites; by account wagering over the Internet and by telephone; by presenting full fields of competitive races into simulcast-land; and by making a day at the races comfortable for both new and old fans.” The strategy shows promise: racing days, handle, and attendance have increased in the past four years. (Daily Racing Form)

Posted in State Issues on June 16, 2005

Slots — Bad Bet?

Boston Globe columnist Brian McGrory paid a recent visit to Lincoln Park in Rhode Island and came away unimpressed:

McGrory’s argument against slots at Massachusetts racetracks, such as Suffolk Downs, can be reduced to this: Slots parlors are depressing and tempt the poor. If we must have slots, he writes, “License a resort-style casino designed to compete with what’s in Connecticut,” and “Put it far from any urban center.” Yes, let’s — because when slots are played in a casino that’s frequented by surburban vacationers, gambling is wholesome entertainment. When slots are played trackside in the city — possibly by people so tacky they want ice in their chardonnay — it’s exploitation.
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Boston mayor Thomas Menino announced his support for racetrack slots in May and has since come under criticism for taking campaign donations from Suffolk Downs officials and owners, and now from other gambling industry executives. The Boston Herald reports that the mayor received $1,000 each from Wonderland dog track owner Charles Sarkis and Harrah’s Entertainment executive Gary Loveman.
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A slots deal between NYRA and New York horsemen is nearing conclusion. “We’re pretty close to a deal,” said Alan Foreman, the counsel for the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association. “We haven’t finalized anything, but I think we can get everything ironed out in the next 24 hours or so.” (Daily Racing Form)

Posted in State Issues on June 15, 2005

Mass. Slots Bills Pending

A least half a dozen slots bills are pending before a Massachusetts legislature committee, although it appears unlikely there will be any debate on the bills before the fall. (Cape Code Times)

Posted in State Issues on May 31, 2005