Lobbyists Spending Big Money On Casino Issue In Massachusetts

The casino gambling debate has been a hot topic in the state of Massachusetts. Lobbyists have been pouring money into making sure that their side of the debate was heard.

Secretary of State William Galvin suggested that the money spent by lobbyists with gambling interest this year could break an all time record. The groups had been pushing hard for legalized casinos in the state.

Had the House not defeated a Bill proposed by Governor Deval Patrick that would have brought casinos to the state, the lobbying money spent would have climbed even higher. Suffolk Downs, one of the groups that wanted a casino, spent almost $500,000 on seven lobbying firms.

"The economy might not be well, but lobbyists are doing swell," said Galvin. The figures from this year are expected to double the lobbying money that was spent the last time casino gambling was being discussed by the Legislature.

Former Governor William F. Weld had a casino proposal on the table back in the mid-nineties. Lobbyists spent $1 million trying to get that proposal approved. This year, it is estimated that over $2 million was spent.

The Bill this year was shot down by the House, but it has not swayed Patrick to give up the fight. he is still looking for ways to bring casino gambling to the state.



2008-07-16