The state of Massachusetts votes in favour of land-based casinos

Voters in the state of Massachusetts have just decided not to repeal the law of 2011 that relates to gambling in order to allow the creation of three land-based casinos and a slot machine hall.
The groups MGM Resorts, Wynn Resorts and Penn National already have licenses and should therefore quickly get permission to start construction works for their casino complexes.

The victory of the No

In the midterm elections, the question 3 proposed to repeal the law of 2011 that allowed the creation of land-based casinos in the state.
Nearly 59.5% of the voters voted No, giving support to the opponents of this proposal who argued that such establishments would create new jobs and bring significant tax revenues. On the other hand advocates feared that this activity facilitates more crime and money laundering – arguments that do not seem to have been heard.

A monitoring agency

Since the law was passed three years ago, opponents fought for the installation of a referendum proposing the repeal of the measure.
Now that they did not win they will come together to form a monitoring body that will scrutinise what the casinos will do and how the Massachusetts Gaming Commission will behave.

Three casinos and a slot machine hall

As set out in the law, three casinos and a slot machine hall will be created in the state of Massachusetts.
The first gaming license was given to the MGM Resorts group who will be able to begin construction of their $800 million complex in the city centre of Springfield at the beginning of next year.
The second gaming license was given to the Wynn Resorts group for a project worth $1.6 billion, which must take place at the site of a former chemical plant in Everett in the suburbs of Boston.
The Penn National Gaming group received a license to develop a slot machine hall at the Plainville racetrack.
The last casino license for south-eastern Massachusetts has yet to be assigned.
It should find an owner in the next year.