Fifty Million Hours of Hard Work, and Nothing to Show For It

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Fifty Million Hours of Hard Work, and Nothing to Show For It

It is estimated that the citizens of Massachusetts will lose an additional billion dollars once the casinos open.  That’s one billion dollars that won't put food on the table, gas in the tank, or the kids through college.  It won't buy presents at Christmas or new clothes for the first day of school.  It is a sum of money that represents more than fifty million hours of hard work on the part of the people of this Commonwealth; and they will have nothing to show for it.

 

Is whatever you believe might be gained from casinos,

worth everything that you will lose?

 

 

On November 4th, Vote YES to Repeal the Casino Law

Vote YES on #3

Vote YES to STOP the Casino Mess

 

 

 

WANT TO HELP?    

    3 Ways You Can:

         1) Please share/post these messages widely:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100005253047911

         2) Volunteer:  http://www.repealthecasinodeal.org/how-to-help

         3) Donate:  http://www.repealthecasinodeal.org/donate 

 

 

We Can't Win Without YOU!

 

 

Find the FULL list of reasons to Vote YES on 3 here:

http://massvoteyeson3.blogspot.com/

 

This is How Much Money the Businesses in YOUR Community Will Lose to the Casinos Every Year

This is how casinos hurt existing businesses and their employees: 

 

Pittsfield:               $  6,465,620

Greenfield:            $  2,567,439

Amherst:               $  5,071,212

Agawam:               $  3,873,051

West Springfield:  $  3,866,650

Worcester:            $ 24,899,099    

Lynn:                    $ 12,578,244

Saugus:                  $  3,707,923

Cambridge:           $ 15,025,365

Lowell:                 $ 15,219,251

Revere:                 $  7,414,437

Brookline:            $  8,268,122

Quincy:                $ 12,989,646

New Bedford:      $ 13,329,482

Brockton:             $ 12,973,355

Plymouth:            $ 7,809,182

Falmouth:            $ 4,830,329

To see the full list of all 351 Massachusetts cities and towns, click on the following links:

Western Counties: http://massvoteyeson3.blogspot.com/2014/10/new-casino-gambling-losses-per.html

Central and Northern Counties:  http://massvoteyeson3.blogspot.com/2014/10/new-casino-gambling-losses-per-city-or.html

Southern, Cape and Island Counties:  http://massvoteyeson3.blogspot.com/2014/10/new-casino-gambling-losses-per_4.html

  

Please share and post widely.

 

Is whatever you believe might be gained from casinos,

worth everything that you will lose?

 

 

On November 4th, Vote YES to Repeal the Casino Law

Vote YES on #3

Vote YES to STOP the Casino Mess

 

 

 

WANT TO HELP?    

    3 Ways You Can:

         1) Please share/post these messages widely:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100005253047911

         2) Volunteer:  http://www.repealthecasinodeal.org/how-to-help

         3) Donate:  http://www.repealthecasinodeal.org/donate 

 

 

We Can't Win Without YOU!

 

 

Find the full list of reasons to Vote YES on 3 here:

http://massvoteyeson3.blogspot.com/

 

Casinos Are Already Lining Up to Change the Rules

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Casinos Are Already Lining Up to Change the Rules

Some casinos have recently petitioned states to reduce their tax burden, negating the primary justification for legalizing casinos in the first place.  This June, the CEO of the American Gaming Association stated that "the tax and torture model (of taxing casinos) is unsustainable" as he called for states to reduce taxes on casinos or risk losing jobs.  Here in Massachusetts, casinos have already requested changes to the casino law, and they aren't even open for business yet.  As long as the casinos hold all the cards (read: money and political influence), their lobbyists will keep pushing for changes that benefit them, at the taxpayers' expense.  It's already happening in other states.  It will happen here, too.

 

Is whatever you believe might be gained from casinos,

worth everything that you will lose?

 

 

On November 4th, Vote YES to Repeal the Casino Law

Vote YES on #3

Vote YES to STOP the Casino Mess

 

 

 

WANT TO HELP?    

    3 Ways You Can:

         1) Please share/post these messages widely:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100005253047911

         2) Volunteer:  http://www.repealthecasinodeal.org/how-to-help

         3) Donate:  http://www.repealthecasinodeal.org/donate 

 

 

We Can't Win Without YOU!

 

 

Find the full list of reasons to Vote YES on 3 here:

http://massvoteyeson3.blogspot.com/

 

The Boston Globe says: "Repeal the Casino Law"

***BREAKING NEWS***
The Boston Globe says "Repeal the Casino Law"
Cites numerous reasons to Vote YES on 3 to stop the casino mess.

http://www.bostonglobe.com/opinion/editorials/2014/10/25/yes-question-pull-plug-flawed-casino-law/jSJmMuaRM8e9HBnlY94h1M/story.html

 

THROUGH THE looking glass of Massachusetts politics, yes means no, and casino gambling means sustainable economic development. If voters can disentangle the first contradiction, though, at least they can get rid of the second: Voting yes on ballot Question 3 would mean no casino gambling in Massachusetts, repealing the state’s 2011 casino law. That law, passed in a moment of economic desperation, was a mistake for the Commonwealth. Voters don’t have to believe that gambling is immoral, or that all casinos are inherently evil, to conclude that this law will do more harm than good.

 

Large casinos come at a sometimes steep cost to communities, and until 2011 those impacts were sufficient to keep Beacon Hill from inviting them into Massachusetts. There are the relatively minor concerns, like noise and traffic, and much more significant ones, like increased gambling addiction, crime, and the impact on local businesses, which sometimes can’t compete on an even playing field with casinos operating under laxer rules. Gambling is also an industry with a rich heritage of corruption; inviting it into Massachusetts always meant accepting that risk. There is, finally, a danger in state government becoming too reliant on gambling revenues. Once the state is counting on successful casinos to pay its bills, the pressure to promote them will rise; its incentive to regulate them will wane.

The Great Recession made those trade-offs appear palatable to enough legislators to overcome the state’s long-standing reluctance. The law passed by the Legislature and signed by Governor Patrick authorized up to three casinos, each in a different part of the state, and one slot parlor. To lawmakers’ credit, the law fully recognized that casinos would cause problems and spelled out extensive requirements to mitigate them, including payments to affected communities. But these provisions weren’t the main selling point; the promise of jobs and more state revenue was. If the casinos meet projections, they’ll generate thousands of construction and casino jobs and hundreds of millions of dollars in revenues for the Commonwealth.

 

The law, though, was flawed in its basic wiring. Four facilities — and possibly a fifth, depending on whether the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe ever builds a tribal casino — are too many for Massachusetts. The Northeast gambling market is already becoming oversaturated, as the recent collapse of the Atlantic City casino market has shown. That increases the likelihood that one or more of the Massachusetts facilities will struggle and eventually come back to Beacon Hill seeking relief from some of the law’s requirements. The law didn’t steer the casinos into isolated locations, like the tribal casinos in Connecticut, where their impact on surrounding communities and businesses would be more limited. Bizarrely, the Legislature also gave up a hefty chunk of the state’s proceeds to subsidize the horse-racing industry; if the state is going to enter partnerships with gambling companies, all proceeds should at least support true public needs.

 

The evidence of the last three years only seems to confirm most of the fears of critics of the Massachusetts casino law, while exposing some new ones. One of the casinos, planned for Everett, will likely have a dramatic traffic impact on Sullivan Square. Both the casinos approved so far are in struggling cities with a long history of municipal corruption and mismanagement. As expected, casino transactions have also proven to be a kind of flypaper for low-lifes, as the recent indictments of the Everett landowners show. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission, the newly created body that vetted the casino license applicants, has done a decent enough job within the confines of the law. Yet every tough decision seems to have gone the industry’s way, including the dubious one to allow the Suffolk Downs racetrack to continue seeking a license even after East Boston voters rejected a plan there. The industry’s winning streak before the commission isn’t a promising sign for the future of Massachusetts casino regulation.

 

The wording of the referendum question is frustrating, and widespread confusion over which side is represented by a no vote should cause a review of how ballot questions are presented to the public. Still, once voters work that out, the question becomes pretty clear. Supporters of casinos are correct: They create jobs, and three casino operators approved so far — Penn National in Plainville, Wynn Resorts in Everett, and MGM in Springfield — are among the strongest in the casino industry. But the last three years have shown that critics were right, too. Massachusetts took many risks, in terms of both quality of life and political integrity, to roll out the welcome mat for casinos. The heavy spending of the casino industry this election season is just a taste of what’s to come if casinos become embedded in the Commonwealth’s culture. It’s not worth the trade. Voters should repeal the casino legislation by voting yes on Question 3.

 

http://www.bostonglobe.com/opinion/editorials/2014/10/25/yes-question-pull-plug-flawed-casino-law/jSJmMuaRM8e9HBnlY94h1M/story.html

Springfield Republican opposes Massachusetts casinos

In an editorial published February 21, 2008, the Springfield Republican emphatically OPPOSED casinos in Massachusetts.  They have since blocked access to that editorial on their web site.  (I wonder what could have possibly persuaded them to change their minds in 2014?)  This is their 2008 editorial in full. 

 

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Casino benefits just fool's gold
Thursday, February 21, 2008

Odds of so-called "resort" casinos delivering busloads of tourists to attractions outside the perimeter of the gambling complexes are slim to none.

While supporters of Gov. Deval L. Patrick's proposal to establish three casinos - including one in Western Massachusetts - say casinos would provide an overall boost to tourism, that hasn't happened in Connecticut.

Just ask Ledyard, Conn., Mayor Frederic B. Allyn Jr., who governs in the shadow of Foxwoods casino. Beyond the two Dunkin' Donuts shops along Route 2, Allyn said, the 45,000 people who visit Foxwoods daily are "not stopping for anything."

During an interview for The Republican's four-part series "Rolling the Dice," which concluded yesterday, Allyn complained that the presence of a casino hasn't helped Ledyard a bit. He said his town of 15,000 residents still struggles to pave roads and repair infrastructure. Taxes are high - averaging $10,000 - and have driven many retirees away, he said.

If a "resort" casino were to be built in Palmer, as one would-be developer proposes, it's unlikely that casino-goers would stray from the confines of the casino. To suggest that tourists might expand their visit to the region to take in such attractions as Springfield's Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame or the museums at the Quadrangle is ridiculous.

There's no more unlikely conversation than the following: "Hey, let's hit the casino, then drive to the Museum of Fine Arts in Springfield, and then go to the Student Prince for dinner."

We believe in calling a spade a spade. Hopes that casinos will pump up local economies are false hopes.

There are many reasons why we're opposed to legalizing casino gambling in the Bay State. Casinos impose social costs that are higher than the financial benefits. The greatest gain in casino gambling goes to those who own the casinos, and the greatest loss with casino gambling comes for the people who wager there but who can least afford it - the elderly and the poor. Chasing casinos is like chasing fool's gold....

Casinos Are Not Non-Profit Businesses

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Casinos Are Not Non-Profit Businesses

Casinos aren't coming here for our benefit.  They're coming here for theirs.  Unlike the small, local businesses whose revenue casinos siphon away, casino profits leave Massachusetts and go to the owners of the casino empires.  Most small business owners live here and spend or reinvest their income here.  Casinos don't create wealth.  They take ours, and transfer it to themselves.

 

Is whatever you believe might be gained from casinos,

worth everything that you will lose?

 

 

On November 4th, Vote YES to Repeal the Casino Law

Vote YES on #3

Vote YES to STOP the Casino Mess

 

 

 

WANT TO HELP?    

    3 Ways You Can:

         1) Please share/post these messages widely:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100005253047911

         2) Volunteer:  http://www.repealthecasinodeal.org/how-to-help

         3) Donate:  http://www.repealthecasinodeal.org/donate 

 

 

We Can't Win Without YOU!

 

 

Find the full list of reasons to Vote YES on 3 here:

http://massvoteyeson3.blogspot.com/

 

Will We Get More Casinos Than We Bargained For?

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Will We Get More Casinos Than We Bargained For?

Once the door is opened for just one casino in Massachusetts, Federal Law allows recognized Indian tribes to build their own casinos without approval from the State or Gaming Commission.  If the casino law isn't repealed, tribes on Martha's Vineyard and in Taunton could soon launch their own competing casinos.  Additionally, Indian casinos are not bound by the same rules and are allowed to pay reduced tax rates, negating the benefit to the State.

 

Is whatever you believe might be gained from casinos,

worth everything that you will lose?

 

 

On November 4th, Vote YES to Repeal the Casino Law

Vote YES on #3

Vote YES to STOP the Casino Mess

 

 

 

WANT TO HELP?    

    3 Ways You Can:

         1) Please share/post these messages widely:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100005253047911

         2) Volunteer:  http://www.repealthecasinodeal.org/how-to-help

         3) Donate:  http://www.repealthecasinodeal.org/donate 

 

 

We Can't Win Without YOU!

 

 

Find the full list of reasons to Vote YES on 3 here:

http://massvoteyeson3.blogspot.com/

 

The Boston Globe says "Repeal the Casino Law" -- cites numerous reasons

The Boston Globe says "Repeal the Casino Law"

Cites numerous reasons to Vote YES on 3 to stop the casino mess.

Read the full endorsement here:

http://www.bostonglobe.com/opinion/editorials/2014/10/25/yes-question-pull-plug-flawed-casino-law/jSJmMuaRM8e9HBnlY94h1M/story.html

Good Jobs Don't Lead Others to Harm

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Good Jobs Don't Lead Others to Harm.

Casinos like to talk about "good jobs".  Every one of us is for creating good jobs, but good jobs don't cause others to lose theirs.  Good jobs don't lead others to addiction, bankruptcy and broken homes.  Good jobs don't cause other businesses to close, cut back or lay off their employees.  Good jobs don't destroy other people's lives.  Good jobs don't lead others to harm. 

 

Is whatever you believe might be gained from casinos,

worth everything that you will lose?

 

 

On November 4th, Vote YES to Repeal the Casino Law

Vote YES on #3

Vote YES to STOP the Casino Mess

 

 

 

WANT TO HELP?    

    3 Ways You Can:

         1) Please share/post these messages widely:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100005253047911

         2) Volunteer:  http://www.repealthecasinodeal.org/how-to-help

         3) Donate:  http://www.repealthecasinodeal.org/donate 

 

 

We Can't Win Without YOU!

 

 Find the full list of reasons to Vote YES on 3 here:

http://massvoteyeson3.blogspot.com/

 

Bankruptcies, Bailouts and Busts: Casinos are Failing, Not Booming

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Bankruptcies, Bailouts and Busts: Casinos are Failing, Not Booming

It's all over the news:  casinos are defaulting on their debts and the casino gaming industry, as everyone knew it, is crumbling.  Calling it "a worrisome trend", Moody's Investor Services recently revised its outlook for the U.S. gaming industry from "stable" to "negative" citing a "weaker demand . . . and oversupply of casinos".  Taxpayer-funded bailouts -- hundreds of millions of dollars so far -- have already been approved by several states in an attempt to prevent bankruptcies, closings or layoffs.  As you've seen, that doesn't always work.  Keep in mind that these are the same casinos that promised tons of money to the states and municipalities, but are now seeking money from taxpayers in order to stay afloat.  

 

Just recently, the potential buyer for the failing Trump Taj Mahal casino in Atlantic City demanded a $25 million dollar taxpayer bailout. Then he demanded a yearly tax break.  Then he demanded that casino employees forfeit their pensions and their health insurance.  Are casino owners really the ones we want controlling our economy and our lives here in Massachusetts?

 

 

Is whatever you believe might be gained from casinos,

worth everything that you will lose?

 

 

On November 4th, Vote YES to Repeal the Casino Law

Vote YES on #3

Vote YES to STOP the Casino Mess

 

 

 

WANT TO HELP?    

    3 Ways You Can:

         1) Please share/post these messages widely:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100005253047911

         2) Volunteer:  http://www.repealthecasinodeal.org/how-to-help

         3) Donate:  http://www.repealthecasinodeal.org/donate 

 

 

We Can't Win Without YOU!

 

 

Find the full list of reasons to Vote YES on 3 here:

http://massvoteyeson3.blogspot.com/

 

Need help convincing a friend about casinos?

****Please share widely****

The following animated video will turn any reasonable casino supporter into a casino opponent in just minutes.  It's both informative and entertaining, and I have seen no other ad or explanation that so clearly defines the harm casinos will bring to Massachusetts residents.

Please take a few minutes to view it.  And most importantly, share it with your unconvinced friends. 

We won't convince everyone, but we know that most voters want to do the right thing.  After viewing this, more people will have a clearer understanding of why the right thing to do, is to Vote YES on Question 3 to repeal the casino law.

 

 

 

Addiction by Design, Not by Chance

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Addiction by Design, Not by Chance

These aren't your parents' slot machines.  In olden days, slot machines were known as "one-armed bandits".  Gamblers inserted coins and pulled levers a few times a minute as the internal wheels spun to their stop. 

 

Today's slot machines are far more sinister.  Using deliberately designed sights, sounds and patterns, today's slots are designed to hypnotize gamblers into a trance-like state.  Taking credit cards instead of coins, today's "bandits" allow gamblers to place as many as 1,200 bets per hour.  Occasional small payouts are cleverly engineered into the programs to create the false illusion that a gambler's luck is changing.  It has been reported that as much as 85% of the casino industry's profits come from gamblers playing these machines.  Addiction to slots is such a major social problem, that some states force casinos to participate in "mitigation programs" in an effort to minimize the number of addicted patrons. 

 

Ask yourself:  How do casinos "mitigate" addiction when their entire business model is dependent upon their ability to successfully create it? 

 

 

Is whatever you believe might be gained from casinos,

worth everything that you will lose?

 

 

On November 4th, Vote YES to Repeal the Casino Law

Vote YES on #3

Vote YES to STOP the Casino Mess

 

 

 

WANT TO HELP?    

    3 Ways You Can:

         1) Please share/post these messages widely:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100005253047911

         2) Volunteer:  http://www.repealthecasinodeal.org/how-to-help

         3) Donate:  http://www.repealthecasinodeal.org/donate 

 

 

We Can't Win Without YOU!