Medford Reps Split on Casino Gambling

– Allison Goldsberry

Bringing slot machines and resort style casinos to Massachusetts has split state legislators who are eager to help get the economy out of its slump. Some legislators say casino gambling will bring jobs and more revenue to the state, while others are skeptical of its economic benefits and argue it will cause harmful addictions that will lead to more bankruptcies, broken families, and crime.

On Wednesday the Massachusetts House of Representatives voted 123-32 to authorize three “resort” casinos and one slots-only gambling parlor in Massachusetts. According to Boston.com, the slots parlor could open within a year and the casinos could follow two or more years later.

Medford’s state delegation is split on the issue. State Representative Paul Donato (D-Medford, Malden) voted in favor of the bill while State Rep. Carl Sciortino (D-Medford, Somerville) and State Rep. Sean Garballey (D-Arlington, Medford) voted against the bill.

Rep. Donato believes the bill will help lead to jobs and additional revenue for the state.

“In today’s difficult economy, I felt that this was the best way to provide jobs and additional income,” said Rep. Donato.

Rep. Sciortino has been vocal in his opposition to casino gambling and has spoken publicly about a close family member whose gambling addiction led to an attempted suicide.

“We can and must do better than casinos. Most of the profits at casinos come from a small fraction of players – those that are addicted and see their life savings get sucked into a machine while their families fall apart. That is a reality I have seen all to close to home. This is not economic development, this is a transfer of money from hardworking families to out-of-state casino interests,” said Rep. Sciortino.

According to published reports the State Senate is expected to take up the issue soon and Governor Deval Patrick has publicly expressed his support. The next step is for the State Senate to review the House bill and come up with its own.

Medford’s state senator, Patricia Jehlen (D-Somerville, Medford), who hosted a gambling forum two years ago, has in the past opposed bringing casino gambling to Massachusetts.

Sen. Jehlen was among fifteen state senators who voted against a bill last year to license three resort style casinos in Massachusetts.

“I’m convinced that the costs will outweigh the benefits, and the rewards in jobs and revenue will be less than promised,” said Sen. Jehlen in a statement posted on InsideMedford.com in 2010.