Gambling News by Gambling Headquarters

Most Massachusetts residents support the legalization of casino gambling in the state, according to a poll released today by the Center for Policy Analysis at the University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth. About 57 percent of those surveyed said they support the authorization of a resort casino in the state, while 30 percent were opposed and 14 percent were undecided. The poll, which was conducted this past fall, involved more than 1,000 Massachusetts residents. Percentages add up to more than 100 because of rounding. Respondents in general said the increase in tax revenue and jobs that a casino would bring outweighed the social costs. But nearly half expressed concerns about the potential for increased gambling addiction and political corruption should casino gambling be allowed in the state. Asked to pick the best location for a casino, respondents favored Western Massachusetts, Boston and the New Bedford/Fall River area, in that order. They ranked Cape Cod and the Plymouth area as the worst places in the state for a casino. The Cape & Islands region was the only part of the state where less than 50 percent of respondents supported a casino. There, 43 percent were in favor and 41 percent were opposed. In Southeastern Massachusetts, excluding Cape Cod and the Islands, 57 percent favored allowing casino gambling in Massachusetts while 31 percent were against it. Men were more likely to support a casino, with 63 percent saying they approved of casino gambling in the state. About 51 percent of women supported casinos. About 52 percent of people making more than $150,000 opposed casino gambling, but majorities in all other income levels supported it. ''Massachusetts residents strongly believe it is time the commonwealth authorize a casino to compete with Connecticut for the gambling, entertainment and tourism dollars associated with Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun,'' said Clyde Barrow, the director of the Center for Policy Analysis and a casino supporter. ''They understand the amount of money that Bay Staters are gambling out-of-state. They grasp the potential fiscal and economic benefits, and they understand that there are potential social costs involved.'' The issue of whether the state should allow casino gambling periodically comes before the Legislature. The question is expected to resurface this year, especially because the state is facing a possible $1 billion budget shortfall, putting pressure on state officials to look for new sources of revenue.