Slots at racetracks backed

PLAINVILLE - Four racetracks will be given the right to operate slot machines without competing with other businesses for state licences under the expanded gambling bill being pushed through the House.

A handful of legislators tried to amend the bill Tuesday so the slot machine licenses would be put out for competitive bids.

They argued the state could make more money on licensing fees if businesses had to compete for the rights, rather than if racetracks were handed the licenses.

But the effort was overwhelmingly shot down on a 140-14 vote.

Supporters of the racetracks said they need the money from slot machines to continue operating and supporting horse farms. They also said racetracks are already established and could operate slot machines almost immediately.

"The tracks have the ability to be up and running in a short time," said state Rep. Richard Ross, R-Wrentham.

Ross' district includes Plainville, the home to Plainridge Racecourse.

He said the sooner slot machines are operating, the sooner the state will take in taxes from them.

"Look at the revenue that could be realized in a short time - 60 to 90 days," he said.

State Rep. Bill Bowles, D-Attleboro, said tracks support a large number of farms in the area, as well as their own employees. He said they need the certainty of the slot revenue to continue in business.

The House also rejected on a voice vote an amendment by state Rep. Jason Lewis, D-Winchester, to require warning labels on slot machines about their addictive nature and a hotline number for getting help for addiction.

"Slot machines by far provide the greatest danger presented by complusive gamblers," he said, adding that some people call slot machines "the crack cocaine of gambling."

Another defeated amendment would have sent the gambling bill back to committee so public hearings could be held.

The House is debating a bill pushed by House Speaker Robert DeLeo which would legalize two casinos and slot machines at four racetracks. Passage is expected today or Thursday.

JIM HAND covers politics and state government for The Sun Chronicle. He can be reached at 508-236-0399 or at jhand@thesunchronicle.com.