Gaming News

Mass track has hopes for slots

PLAINVILLE, Massachusetts -- As reported by The Boston Globe: "Gary Piontkowski was pumping as much adrenaline as the line of American standardbreds that had just streaked from the starting gate.

A horseman for 31 years, the president of the state's only harness track was as giddy on Plainridge Racecourse's opening day last week as he was a decade earlier when the Plainville oval first opened.

"'Isn't it great? I love it,' Piontkowski said on what was also the start of Plainridge's 11th season alongside Route 1 and Interstate 495. And the former State Racing Commission chairman was betting on some extra luck to help slot-machine legislation, meant to draw millions in gaming revenues back to Massachusetts.

"Until recently, the dream appeared dead, but Piontkowski said he believes the new leadership on Beacon Hill offers renewed hope.

"'For the first time, the stars seem aligned with support in the Legislature,' Piontkowski said.

"Unlike his predecessor, a staunch opponent of expanded gambling, House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo has pushed for years to install slot machines at Massachusetts racetracks, while state Treasurer Timothy P. Cahill put forth a plan this month calling for as many as 9,000 slot machines statewide..."

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