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Advocates On Both Sides Debate Casinos' Cost
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State lawmakers Wednesday renewed publicly what at this point seems an age old debate: gambling.
After nearly approving gambling last year, the state's top brass reached an impasse on slot parlors. Gov. Deval Patrick opposed the idea of allowing slots at the state's racetracks — a crucial issue for House Speaker Robert DeLeo.
But state government leaders have apparently ironed out those differences and come to a deal, which the House of Representatives began debating Wednesday.
It seems like casinos may be coming to Massachusetts soon. But what will they bring? Jobs and new sources of state revenue, say some. Others say a whole subclass of addicted gamblers, which will lead to a rise in crime, foreclosures and maybe even suicides.
Guests:
- Sam Skolnik, author, "High Stakes: The Rising Cost of America's Gambling Addiction"
- Jay Ash, city manager, Chelsea; co-founder, Massachusetts Coalition for Jobs and Growth
- Steve Brown, WBUR reporter
More:
This segment aired on September 14, 2011.