|
Poll finds Mass. supports casino proposal |
|
Written by Administrator
|
|
Friday, 19 March 2010 |
Poll finds Mass. supports casino proposal
By Brian Hallenbeck
Publication: The Day
Published 03/18/2010
Massachusetts residents strongly support House Speaker Robert DeLeo's plan to license two casinos in the state and authorize slot machines at racetracks, according to poll results released Wednesday.
Fifty-eight percent of 449 poll respondents who were aware of DeLeo's proposal back it, the survey conducted by the Center for Policy Analysis at UMass Dartmouth found. Twenty-five percent oppose it, and 17 percent are undecided.
Among all respondents, including those who were unaware of the proposal, 53 percent support it, 25 percent oppose it and 22 percent are undecided.
"The higher levels of support among those who are aware of the proposal is significant because it suggests that public support for the DeLeo plan is likely to increase further as the public learns more details about the potential benefits of the plan," Clyde Barrow, the poll director, said in a statement accompanying the poll's release.
DeLeo tipped his hand weeks ago, revealing his legislative plan while addressing the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce. He is expected to introduce a bill next month.
Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick, who opposes slot machines at racetracks, has criticized DeLeo's plan.
The Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority, which operates Mohegan Sun, hopes to build a smaller version of its Connecticut casino in the western Massachusetts town of Palmer if and when the Massachusetts legislature legalizes casinos.
The latest poll results, which largely duplicate those of earlier polls, suggest most Bay Staters "have concluded that the fiscal and economic benefits of expanded gaming outweigh any potential negative social impacts," Barrow said.
By wide margins, those surveyed indicate they believe DeLeo's proposal would generate tax revenues, create new jobs and recapture gambling dollars that are now lost to other states. Fifty percent also believe that resort casinos and slots at racetracks would lead to an increase in gambling addiction, while 45 percent disagree.
http://www.theday.com/article/20100318/BIZ02/303189380/1044 |
