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Backers Renew Push For Slot Machines

Racetrack Hopes Measure Is Approved

POSTED: 5:22 pm EST February 20, 2006
UPDATED: 5:42 pm EST February 20, 2006

Some Bay State lawmakers renewed their push Monday for a bill that would legalize slot machines in Massachusetts.

NewsCenter 5's Janet Wu reported that a bill to install 2,000 slot machines at four Massachusetts horse and dog racetracks has already won approval in the Senate. But while there are plenty of supporters, there are still those who don't want to chance it.

Raynham-Taunton Greyhound Park is already planning for slot machines. It would be one of four Massachusetts raceways allowed to operate slot machines for the fee of $25 million if the Massachusetts House decides to approve the measure.

"We've lost 40 to 50 percent of our customer base due to the competition in Rhode Island -- not even considering Connecticut," said Gary Temple, of the Raynham-Taunton Greyhound Park.

But there are still plenty of naysayers. The state might bring in an extra $300 million in tax revenues, but the cost of regulating expanded gambling and the loss to the lottery might negate any gain.

"I don't think we need them. There is enough money coming in on the scratch tickets and the daily number," said Don Luft, of Randolph. "I don't think this is a good idea for the seniors who are actually playing most of the money at the racetrack."

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