Massachusetts Joins the Slots Debate

In many cities all over the world, citizens have been arguing the pros and cons of gaming, from online slots to land casinos. While proponents of gaming always claim that the revenue from slot machines would help the budget deficit by bringing in extra revenue and avoiding taxes, opposition always argues that it would have a negative effect on problem gamers, and those susceptible. Because addiction is such a common and major negative in this situation, both sides are always highly charged and passionate. Moreover, the most susceptible group is the 18-21 set, who is always very excited to experiment with new things and is in the most need to make quick cash. Habits set up in that age group are always prone to becoming lifelong tendencies, so the topic is very sensitive.

The slots debate continues these days in Massachusetts, where Governor Deval Patrick has been pushing for new casinos and slots in the state. His argument is the same, that it would help the budget, and provide extra revenue that the state could use to fund public programs without raising taxes. However, Representative Daniel Bosely maintains that bringing in slots would be a slippery slope, since once slot machines are approved, they open the door to casinos. Since the legislation currently excludes Native American gaming, if the outside slots were to be approved, there would be no legal reason for the slot machines on the reservation to be nixed.

So far, the bill in question only deals with slot machines at racetracks in Massachusetts, and does not allow casinos. Most people do not want their hometown to turn into a casino town like Las Vegas, and they worry that such an everyday distraction could easily become habit forming. They would rather have such an option in a contained and remote location, and therefore more controlled. Others argue that having slot machines would also create more jobs, and it would jump start the economy that way. On the other hand (there always is an ‘other hand’) some see it as a short term solution to a long term problem.

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