Casino Plans

[YankeyMCC]

I'm surprise at the lack of discussion here about the Casino developments. How are people here coming down on the idea of Casinos in Mass?

From Today's Globe:
http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2007/09/18/governor_predicts_a_jackpot/
http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2007/09/18/market_will_support_multiple_casino_plan_state_officials_say


Personally, I'm not a gambling fan (although I do like to get together with friends from time to time for a little Texas Hold-em). I've lived in the St Louis, MO and Biloxi, MS when river boat gambling first arrived and was not impressed to say the least.

I don't like the idea of the state coming to rely on an industry that is ripe for abuse on a corporate and individual level. However, I'm loath to pass my moral judgment on others and there really is nothing wrong with having a bit of fun via gambling when it's done responsibly. The problem is the risk of personal addition and the fact that the industry is by its very nature designed to separate people with their money as fast as possible, the House always makes a profit - no different from other entertainment industry I guess except perhaps gambling is a bit more of an 'open-ended' entertainment. I mean it's not like a movie that you pay a fixed price for a specific kind of entertainment.

But I'm encouraged by what I've heard so far from the Gov and how he plans to approach it. Perhaps there should be more than 2.5% share of profits for communities and addressing social issues but the framework seems reasonable. As long as the industry is well managed and monitored it is probably foolish not to take advantage of the opportunity right now.

Thoughts?