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Odds better for Plainville slots
 Simulcasting room at Plainridge Racecourse in Plainville. (Sun Chronicle file photo)
Top Headlines 'Racinos' backed by House speaker
PLAINVILLE - With House Speaker Robert DeLeo saying he wouldn't consider supporting casinos unless slot machines are allowed at racetracks, Plainridge Racecourse here appears to be on more solid footing.That stance, however, is the direct opposite of plans of Gov. Deval Patrick, who favors casinos and opposes so-called "racinos." DeLeo Friday mentioned on a Boston radio station he would not support any gambling expansion unless the racetracks get slots. "I am pleased. That tact he is taking is certainly a more conservative approach," state Rep. Richard Ross, R-Wrentham, said of DeLeo. "I think with the economic downturn, we are seeing large resorts and people's ability to travel affected. He is using a common-sense approach. Using existing tracks that have the infrastructure rather than public investment seems to make sense. It is a very wise choice." Plainridge is situated off Route 1 and right near access to Interstate 495. "It puts the onus on the business owners who own the tracks. They already have made their capital investments," Ross said of why he favors racinos. "It seems prudent to me to allow them to participate in the open market. It is no great risk to the commonwealth." All parties say they expect discussion on gambling to take place when legislators reconvene in the fall. "I do look eagerly on finally being able to have debate" on the topic, Ross said. DeLeo said he is working with the Legislature's economic development committee on gambling legislation. The House and Senate have filed casino bills ranging from two to three casinos. The intent is to generate tax revenue for roadwork. Senate President Therese Murray hasn't publicly indicated her intentions for gambling. Ross said he has had discussions with DeLeo along the stance he is taking. "I am just pleased there is more of a public acknowledgement," Ross said. Noting Massachusetts as a tourist destination is known for its culture and history, the state representative said he wants to make sure any casinos don't take away from that. "I want to make sure we don't make a large capital investment but support those" cultural and historic locations, Ross said, adding racinos would be "small approaches that would not take away from those entities." STEPHEN PETERSON can be reached at 508-236-0377 or at speterson@thesunchronicle.com.
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realist wrote on Jul 12, 2009 5:56 PM:
A win win "
attle123 wrote on Jul 12, 2009 3:07 PM:
Crossbow36 wrote on Jul 12, 2009 2:55 PM:
Limiting the installation of slot machines to existing racetracks or new casinos is, obviously, the Legislature's way of repaying the big campaign contributors. It would be a repeat of the actions of the Congress that lead to the trashing of our once mighty economy. "
realist wrote on Jul 12, 2009 10:38 AM:
I'll also need a liquor license or two. I figure I'll make more money if people have trouble remembering how much they spent. "
common_sense wrote on Jul 12, 2009 9:55 AM:
Plainridge must be donating big time to Ross's campaign, he is none stop with pushing this on their behave. "
ComeClean wrote on Jul 12, 2009 8:53 AM:
tallyho57 wrote on Jul 12, 2009 6:52 AM:
Hey, Einstein, open your eyes. Less than 20 minutes from Plainridge is Twin River, Rhode Island's near-bankrupt slot parlor. More than an hour away are Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun, Ct's two resort casinos. Now, let's see...
Twin River just filed for bankruptcy. Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun, despite the economy, are still roaring along just fine, thank you. Twn River employs 900 people; Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun employ 10,000 people apiece. Twin River does not stimulate any tourism or hospitality growth. Southeastern Connecticut is now New England's #1 preferred tourism and hospitality destination. Why? Because 40,000 people a day visit both resorts. Twin River doesn't lure any conventions and meetings into the region --- be it Providence or southeastern Massachusetts. Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun have made that region New England's premier convention and meeting destination, and have cannibalized many conventions that might have come to Massachusetts. What a fool! "