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Massachusetts official comments on casino issue

"'Driving the debate is much better than sitting back. We need to lead the debate as opposed to just letting things happen,' the treasurer told The Standard-Times editorial board during a visit to tout his plan to allow commercial 'destination casinos' in Massachusetts.

"...Mr. Cahill's proposal, which would require the approval of the Legislature, calls for the state to auction a limited number of casino licenses. He said two casinos, for example, would provide the state with 'a minimum of $500 million and we're looking at the possibility of up to $1 billion.'

"...Other than saying he isn't in favor of slot machines at the state's race tracks, Mr. Cahill said he had no stake in the locations of any casinos.

"...Touting his proposal for "destination casinos" that include such amenities as hotels, restaurants, spas, entertainment venues and golf courses, the treasurer said, 'I don't know if this model would make sense in a city.'

"...The sort of destination casinos he envisions — which he said would attract 'high-end" gamblers' — 'work better with the Connecticut model,' where Indian casinos were developed in two rural communities, 'than with the Atlantic City model,' in which casinos were added to an established urban resort area..."

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