Phoenix Editorial: On Gambling

The debate over full-scale casino gambling in Rhode Island is just picking up again. See my piece, from a few months ago, on the looming fight.

But across the border in Massachusetts, it's moving very quickly. Legislators are considering both casinos and slot parlors, or "racinos," along the lines of what we have in Rhode Island already. Our sister paper, the Boston Phoenix, has an editorial on the Massachusetts debate, which could have a profound effect on the viability of gambling here in Rhody. An excerpt:

The Phoenix has no philosophical objection to gambling. And even if we did, it would be hard to maintain it with a straight face given the existence, and success, of the state-run lottery. In our view, gambling should be viewed strictly as an economic-development issue.

By that measure, we’ve long held that casinos make sense — especially as part of a larger strategy that seeks to maximize tourism’s already huge positive impact on the commonwealth.

Given the perilous state of the economy and the high rate of joblessness, the construction of two casinos, together with the necessary infrastructure improvements they would require, should give Massachusetts a much-needed shot in the arm.

The case for racinos, however, is more dubious. On a local level, casinos tend to tap patrons’ entertainment and travel dollars, while racinos — which are really glorified slot parlors — tend to take meal and medicine money.