Lexington's State Senators Split on Casinos

A Thursday vote by the state Senate approved a bill to license three resort-style casinos in Massachusetts, by a 25-15 margin. The Senate's version of the bill will now be reconciled with the House version, which approved two casinos and allowing 750 slot machines at four racetracks in the state.

Coming down on opposite sides on the issue, state Sen. Kenneth Donnelly (Lexington precincts 1, 2, 4-7) voted "yes" on the bill, while Sen. Susan Fargo (Lexington precincts 3, 8, 9) voted with the minority.

Donnelly said he was in favor of the bill because of its potential to increase state revenues.

"We are going through a very difficult time," said Donnelly. "Our structural deficit is in the billions and we have cut services to the neediest. It is pretty clear that the votes are not there nationally to increase revenue to the state."

Donnelly, who is personally opposed to gaming and gambling said he saw no other way around this issue.

"1.2 billion leaves the state each year with gaming," said Donnelly who added that in the bill, there are provisions for those who end up with gambling additions and compulsions.

In the end, he saw no way around it. "We need investment, we need jobs and we need to put people back to work. I don't gamble, I don't like gambling, but there is an industry that is ready to invest billions."

In fact, the gaming industry has promised that the three proposed casinos – one in the eastern part of the state, another in the west and a third in the southeast – would create 10,000 construction jobs and 15,000 permanent jobs.

In fact, building and construction has been one of the hardest hit areas in terms of job loss in the state. Currently, the unemployment in that area is 30 percent.

Calling it the "toughest vote of my time in the Senate," Donnelly said: "They talk about the social costs of gaming, but there is nothing worse than not having a job and being able to provide for your family."

Sen. Fargo did not return a phone call today seeking comment.