Myth vs. Fact: A Reality Check

Those opposing bringing resort casinos to Massachusetts will say anything to keep these projects from moving forward, but don’t be fooled. These are just a few examples of questions they might ask, trying to put doubt in the minds of casino proponents:

• Will resort casinos really generate millions of dollars in new revenue for Massachusetts?

• Will the addition of resort casinos hurt local businesses, or proven revenue machines like the Massachusetts State Lottery?

• Don’t resort casinos lead to increases in gambling addiction and crime?

See below for more Facts on gaming in Massachusetts.

Massachusetts residents in 2008:

• Spent nearly $1 billion at the Connecticut casinos and Rhode Island slot parlors; 

• Generated $211 million in tax revenues to the Connecticut and Rhode Island state treasuries;

• Are responsible for creating nearly 6,000 jobs at the Connecticut casinos and Rhode Island slot parlors.

Since New England’s casinos and slot parlors opened in the 1990s, Massachusetts residents have:

• Wagered more than $100 billion;

• Spent more than $10 billion in gaming and non-gaming expenditures; and 

• Generated more than $4 billion in tax revenues to the Connecticut and Rhode Island state treasuries.

When it comes to creating jobs, Massachusetts casinos will:

• Create thousands of construction jobs;

• Create thousands of resort casino jobs, with employment preference for Massachusetts residents;

• Create more than 3,000 new jobs within the non-casino private sector, through new small and medium-sized business development and expansion; and

• Grow the state’s tourism and hospitality sectors, as well as generate new domestic and international visitations in convention and meeting business.

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