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Connecticut Casinos Blamed for Massachusetts Tracks' Problems

MASSACHUSETTS – As reported by the Boston Herald: "The bad times rolled on at Bay State racetracks last season as the once prosperous gambling ovals struggled to stay profitable amid a long slide in attendance and betting, financial reports show.

"While the owners of the four eastern Massachusetts dog and horse tracks are a fiercely competitive lot, almost all shared the same bottom-line misery.

"Bets placed on live races at the four state racetracks dropped more than 10 percent in 2003 to $85.1 million from $95.3 million in 2002, filings with the State Racing Commission show. Since 2000, when it was $109.5 million, the drop in racing wagers has been close to 20 percent.

"Experts say the decline is due to ever-growing competition from giant Connecticut casinos and a myriad of other gambling options.

"…'The two casinos in Connecticut have grown far beyond anybody's imagination, the (Massachusetts) Lottery continues to grow. . . . It is a lot of gaming money we are not having the opportunity to participate in,'' said Robert O'Malley, Suffolk's chief operating officer…"

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