Massachusetts Set to Consider Slots at Tracks

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Within the week the Massachusetts legislature is expected to address an economic stimulus package which includes as many as 6,000 slot machines at racetracks. The Boston Herald reported Wednesday that the amendment was filed by Senator Brian Lees.

Such a proposal has been discussed among Massachusetts Senators for some time. Senator Michael Morrisey had talked of a stand-alone bill that would create a Gaming Commission to oversee the slot machines, along with two new casinos in the state. At one point Morrisey discussed allowing three slots licenses for racetracks, but including Harness and Greyhound racing, there are four tracks in the state, which would leave one out in the cold. It appears Lees' plan calls for slots at all four tracks.

The Herald quoted Charles Sarkis, who owns Wonderland dog track in Revere, as criticizing the amendment's plans for a 60% tax rate for racetracks.

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