Is It Too Late on Gaming?

The Massachusetts legislature's approval of a bill authorizing three full-scale casinos in the state, including one in its southeastern corner, has ramped up the pressure on Rhode Island to move from slot parlor to full-scale casino at Twin River in Lincoln.

But has Rhode Island already missed its moment?

Voters rejected a full-scale casino in 2006, in the face of a slick opposition campaign. Approval could have effectively blocked the building of a casino in southeastern Massachusetts.

Now, it seems, Massachusetts will open a casino in the region. And Rhode Island gaming, bound to be hurt by any Massachusetts gambling, will take an even more painful blow.