Rhode Island gambling posts concern for Massachusetts
Lawmakers in Massachusetts are worried about venues across the Rhode Island state border and their impact in the local gambling business.
US.- Two Rhode Island casinos southeast of Massachusetts post a concern for Plainridge Park Casino, in Plainville. Massachusetts authorities are keeping an eye on the situation as local gambling is in danger.
According to Rep. Jeff Roy, casinos in Twin River and Tiverton “were strategically placed to be in direct competition with Plainridge.” The lawmaker told the Economic Development and Emerging Technologies Committee “it also affects every other business in that area. We need to respond to what’s happening.”
“We urge you to evaluate the issue through the prism of competition by other jurisdictions that are using sports betting to take business from Massachusetts and bring it to their state. No state has been more aggressive in this regard than Rhode Island,” Plainville Selectman Brian Kelly told the committee.
“We really don’t think you should do it for the new money it will bring in, but we do know that how we respond now is very important to compete with a state that is doing everything it can to interfere with our success. It’s very important for us and for you to protect that.”
Massachusetts lawmakers are convinced that sports betting legalisation is the best way to counter cannibalisation from neighbouring states. However, the debate continues to heat up and some are still not willing to approve it.
