Casino Opposition Groups Rally At State House

BOSTON -- Groups that oppose the expansion of gambling in Massachusetts rallied at the State House on Monday morning.

Gov. Deval Patrick is expected to announce his position on allowing a casino to open in the state after Labor Day. Opposition groups want the governor to visit Middleborough, the town where the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe want to build a $1 billion casino.

"It is not a quick fix for badly needed revenue. It is no fix at all. It is draining to the economy," said Diane Jeffery, of the League Of Women Voters.

The protest comes as members of a task force of elected officials from 17 southeastern Massachusetts communities met with top officials from Patrick's administration.

"I will make sure that these materials are also in front of him as he works toward making his decision," said Massachusetts Housing Secretary Daniel O'Connell.

"We're are very assured that this process will be slowed down and looked at very closely, independent studies will be done and if anything like this was to happen in our area, it will be very thoroughly investigated the impacts to out towns," said Nancy Yeatts, of the Casino Task Force.

The tribe signed an agreement with Middleburgh and said their plans have not changed. On Wednesday, they plan to file paperwork to put 500-plus acres in trust.