At one time, the only locations in the United States were legal gambling was permitted was the state of Nevada and Atlantic City, NJ. That has all changed and there has been quite a bit of growth in the gaming world. Most recently, casino gambling seeks to increase its presence in the New England region, much to the chagrin of other states that rely on tourism from New England for gaming revenue.
This is not to suggest that those in the gambling industry automatically get an easy pass in New England. Legislative hurdles do have to be overcome. So, the process may be a little slow but it has been progressing forward in the New England region. Boston, MA and the state of New Hampshire have both been the location of some legislative activity, both pro and con for the gaming industry.
The Mayor of Boston, Martin Walsh, has made a bid to allow the neighboring locality to be a host community for any projects and proposals related to casino gambling. Specifically, the neighboring cities of Everett and Revere would be designated such communities. If such a request was granted, then controversy could arise. Namely, the voters in the city of Boston would have the ability to kill off any projects. Obviously, this is not something that those involved with casino gaming would like to see happen.
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission was not exactly pleased with the request made by the mayor. The hearing has been allowed without any attempts to impede the mayor in his request. As Walsh put it, he prefers that the people in his city be allowed to take part in the democratic process and have a say in whether or not the gaming industry can expand. This means the citizens are, in essence, a party to the lucrative gaming contracts offered in the region.
North of Massachusetts, things are progressing forward in the New Hampshire legislative body to potentially increase opportunities for all involved with the gaming industry. State Senator Lou D’Allesandro is continuing his Quixote like journey to get the senate to approve the legalization of a casino. He has not exactly succeeded in prior attempts, but he keeps working on getting more lawmakers to see things his way.
A bill in the House Chamber would allow for a casino with 5,000 video slots to open its doors to the public. D’Allesandro has offered a counterproposal that would allow for two casinos to open. Interestingly, the bill still only allows for 5,000 total video slot machines that would be shared between the two casinos.
D’Allesandro has been abundantly clear as to why he is pushing for casino gaming in the state. He feels, rightly so, that the presence of the casinos means more revenue for the state. D’Allesandro has noted the state could, honestly, use the money.
New England is not a region most commonly thought of when it comes to the subject of casinos and casino gambling. Recent activity in the area reveals things may be changing and becoming more active as time marches forward.