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Study: Massachusetts Could Lose Over $1 Billion to Neighbors

MASSACHUSETTS – As reported by the Boston Herald: "The Bay State's annual gambling drain to neighboring states' casinos could soar past $1 billion if Rhode Island opens its borders to Las Vegas-style casino gambling, according to a study by a UMass professor.

"A referendum seems likely in the Ocean State this fall that could open Massachusetts race tracks to competition from a $600 million Narragansett Indian casino in West Warwick. State legislators say they have enough votes to override Rhode Island Gov. Don Carcieri's veto last Friday of the referendum.

"…Las Vegas-style gambling in the Ocean State could suck hundreds of millions of additional cash out of the Bay State - a fortune that comes atop the more than $800 million lost each year to Connecticut's two giant American Indian casinos, according to University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth professor Clyde Barrow.

"…With Rhode Island lawmakers opening their arms, other major casino players are also kicking the tires on potential gambling sites.

"Sheldon Adelson, owner of the Venetian in Las Vegas, has been looking around the Providence area, while gambling magnate Steve Winn may also now be interested, according to one industry executive.

"All told, the combination of an American Indian casino and other casino-style gambling could suck an additional $250 million to $300 million out of the Bay State, Barrow said.

"…Still, half of those Massachusetts gamblers would have gone to Connecticut anyway. Still, the other 50 percent mark new growth - Bay State gamblers who would have otherwise stayed home, Barrow said.

"Whether these numbers will spur action by Massachusetts lawmakers - who have rejected a series of casino bills over the past few years - is a big question, observers say…"

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