New Poll Finds Strong Support for Massachusetts Gambling Expansion

A controversial plan to expand gambling in the state of Massachusetts appears to have significant support in the state, as a new poll has found that 56% of Massachusetts residents support a plan to add three resort casinos and a slot parlor to different regions of the state.

The plan, which was approved by the state’s House of Representatives by a vote of 123-32, would see three Las Vegas-style casinos authorized for three specific areas of the state, with an additional slots-only venue that could be located anywhere in the state.

The poll, which was conducted by the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth Center for Policy Analysis, found that voters overwhelmingly supported the plan by a 56% to 31% margin. Just 13% of residents said they had no opinion on the matter.

Supporters of the casino expansion have touted the idea that gambling expansion would increase tourism in the state – an outcome that 61% of residents said they expected to occur if the casino expansion plan were to be approved.

However, respondents also pointed out several potential pitfalls to the plan. A slight majority of 51% said that they believed new casinos would increase the rate of gambling addiction in the state, while 39% believe that new casinos would increase political corruption in Massachusetts.

While the casino expansion plan had no trouble passing in the House, it is expected that the road in the State Senate will be somewhat more difficult. A long debate on the subject is expected, and while most supporters expect the bill to eventually pass, the resistance will likely be much stronger in the Senate.

Several prominent state politicians have come out in support of the bill, including Governor Deval Patrick, who was instrumental in negotiations to bring the plan to the floor of the State House.

The fight to prevent expanded gambling in the state has been lead by a group named United to Stop Slots Massachusetts. According to the group, more detailed studies on the potential impact of expanded gambling are needed before any plan should be approved.