Massachusetts lawmakers are considering permitting slots operation in two local racetracks, Suffolk Downs and Wonderland. Such a proposal was introduced due to the local racing industry's financial deterioration. State Representative Kathi-Anne Reinstein was reported as saying that slots authorization might improve the general economic situation, as more people would be employed and tax revenues would be increased.
Although the slots proposal was already debated by the House of Representatives in 2003, but to no avail, the recent support of Boston Mayor Thomas Menino has brought the slots issue once more to the foreground. Menino has insisted that the legislative authorities should consider slots operation at the two race tracks as a means to generate finances and not as a method to expand the gambling phenomenon.
However, there are others who oppose the proposal, as they fear that slots gambling could interfere with state Lottery profits. Also, residents of the race tracks’ neighboring communities have raised questions concerning a potential crime increase, traffic intensification and other effects slots might have on the area. In any case, the future of slots installation in Suffolk Downs and Wonderland is still uncertain.
