Advertising

The Seattle Times Company

NWjobs | NWautos | NWhomes | NWsource | Free Classifieds | seattletimes.com

The Seattle Times

Business / Technology


Our network sites seattletimes.com | Advanced

Originally published Tuesday, November 10, 2009 at 1:51 PM

Comments (0)     E-mail E-mail article      Print Print view      Share Share

Mass. House takes step toward off-track betting

Massachusetts is moving incrementally toward expanded gambling.

AP Political Writer

BOSTON —

Massachusetts is moving incrementally toward expanded gambling.

The House approved a bill Tuesday extending simulcasting at the state's two dog racing tracks until July 31. It had been slated to end Dec. 31. The measure was sent to the Senate.

The Wonderland Greyhound Park has already ceased live racing after voters approved an anti-dog racing ballot question last year. The Raynham Park track is supposed to follow suit Jan. 1, the deadline set by the ballot question.

If the Senate also approves the simulcasting bill, both sites would essentially be converted into off-track betting parlors for the first half of next year. They would exist only to allow bets on races being broadcast from elsewhere in the country.

Previously, simulcasting had been limited to the four sites in the state that also offered live racing. The state's other two tracks, Suffolk Downs and the Plainridge Racecourse, feature horse racing.

Advocates say allowing extended simulcasting will prevent job losses and protect the tracks while the state considers allowing slot machines at them. The machines are expected to be considered after New Year's, when the Legislature considers a broader bill allowing casino gambling in Massachusetts.

"The only thing that can allow my track to exist in the long run is slot machines because the dogs are no longer," said Rep. David Flynn, a Democrat whose district includes Raynham Park.

Of the simulcasting extension, he said: "It gives all of us a chance to get our ducks in order while we consider whether to do a combination of slot machines and casinos, and where and when to place them."

He said he expects another extension from July 31 because the state will need time to enact rules and regulations for any gambling expansion it approves.

Gov. Deval Patrick last year proposed licensing three so-called destination resort casinos in Massachusetts. The bill was defeated by then-House Speaker Salvatore DiMasi, who argued that the social cost in terms of increase divorce and personal debt were too high.

But the Boston Democrat resigned in January amid a series of ethics investigations, and his replacement, House Speaker Robert DeLeo, represents a district that contains both the Wonderland and Suffolk Downs tracks.

DeLeo has said he is willing to discuss expanded gambling, especially the concept of slot machines at the tracks, while Senate President Therese Murray has labeled expanded gambling "inevitable." Patrick also supports a renewed discussion.

advertising

Under a draft of the House simulcasting bill, both Wonderland and Raynham would pay simulcast revenues into a newly established racing stabilization fund. That money would be used to assist Plainridge and Suffolk Downs.

The track owners argue they need the assistance to cover the higher cost of live racing, especially if their competitors gain an advantage by limiting themselves to simulcasting.

Rep. Alice Wolf, D-Cambridge, voted against casino gambling last year, but she conceded the ongoing recession - and the budget cuts forced by falling tax collections - cast a fresh perspective on the debate.

"Do I want people not to get mental health services? Do I want children to go hungry?" she said. "We are in a very tough economic time, and the question is, where is the balance? Is this a way to provide some of the things we're not funding now?"

Wolf added: "My point of view hasn't really changed, but I feel we should at least be opening to listening."

E-mail E-mail article      Print Print view      Share Share

More Business & Technology

Chase shrugs off loss of CD investors

Sunday Buzz: Expedia, Intelius, Classmates slapped by Senate report

Denny Triangle gains skyline, but tenants slow to come

Your Funds: Money for nothing: Some investors pay for advice they never get

Sunday Memo

More Business & Technology headlines...

No comments have been posted to this article. Start the conversation.


Get home delivery today!

Video

LA Galaxy's David Beckham
Los Angeles Galaxy's David Beckham talks about the upcoming MLS Cup final during after a team practice.

Real Salt Lake's Kyle Beckerman
MLS trophy arrives in Seattle
Chittenden Locks Inspection
Interview with New Moon actors
Full interview with New Moon actors
Artistic Roller Skating
Girls Soccer: Mercer Island vs. Glacier Peak
Smash Putt! Miniature Golf
Opening day at Crystal Mountain

Advertising

AP Video

Entertainment | Top Video | World | Offbeat Video | Sci-Tech

Marketplace

nwautos

2009's most fuel-efficient sedansnew
Choosing a new sedan? Weigh the impact of your choice on your wallet and on the planet.
Post a comment

Open Houses

Find this weekend's open house listings.
Or search by location:

 
Most read
Most commented
Most e-mailed
 
 
Advertising