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Massachusetts gaming lobbyists fees rise16 January 2008ASSACHUSETTS -- As reported by the Boston Globe: "Although the fortunes of Governor Deval Patrick's proposal to license three resort casinos in Massachusetts remain uncertain, the plan has been a sure bet for lobbyists trying to persuade state officials and lawmakers of its merits. "Fees reported by lobbyists representing gambling interests skyrocketed to $1.2 million in 2007, a flood of money that is expected to continue rising in 2008 as the Beacon Hill debate continues to heat up. The figures, reported in filings yesterday to Secretary of State William F. Galvin, are 48 percent more than in 2006 and 58 percent more than in 2005. "All told, 40 lobbyists from 25 companies registered to lobby on casino issues last year, according to the records. "Suffolk Downs has a team of nearly a dozen lobbyists making the case for a casino at the East Boston track. The track spent $240,700 last year, nearly three times more than it spent in 2006 and nearly twice as much as any other prospective casino developer. "Donald Trump is expected to put up the second-highest total, paying Massachusetts-based lobbyists Dennis Murphy and Anthony Abdelahad a combined $150,000, Murphy said. "...The Westwood Group, which owns Wonderland Greyhound Park in Revere, spent $137,000 last year. The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe, which wants to build a resort casino in Middleborough, paid $135,000 to a team of five lobbyists. "The Aquinnah Tribe has also dramatically stepped up its lobbying effort, spending $75,000 last year..." |