Expanded Gambling Debate Heats Up On Beacon Hill

Gambling opponents met privately Wednesday to map out a strategy and discuss the social and economic impact of expanded gambling.

State Sen. Suzanne Tucket, a Democrat from Andover, said the cost of social services related to gambling outweigh any economic benefits to the Commonwealth.

"When families get into trouble, regardless of the reason, it's a very expensive proposition for the Commonwealth," she said, "and here we have a product that everyone agrees attracts addiction and destroys families."

Gambling supporters are planning their own strategy session next month.

State lawmakers are expected to debate the issue of expanded gambling this fall.