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Massachusetts Treasurer Timothy P. Cahill is convinced that slot machines can help the state conquer economic woes that appear in the form of drastic budget cuts and threaten increased taxes.  However, Governor Deval Patrick is not so easily sold on the idea of creating three slot machine parlors across the state.

Cahill warns against a short sighted attitude toward slot machines.  According to Patrick the state stands to benefit a great deal from not only slot machines, but he hopes to create full casino resorts in Massachusetts.  Patrick promotes his idea by advertising all of the jobs and economic development that would come with casino resorts.  He also believes that casino resorts have the ability to generate enough benefits to offset the social costs of gambling.

“It seemed like the human costs would be less in the resort setting, and that the benefits would be greater,” said Patrick.

“I think the most important thing in this area and others is that we not make long-term decisions on the basis of short-term factors. Whatever we do or not do is going to be with us for a while.”

Cahill’s plan for slot machines has received a lot of support in the Massachusetts legislature.  Both Senate President Therese Murray and House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo are supportive of taking advantage of slot machines as a source of revenue.  There is some question, however, as to how Cahill arrived at his estimate that licensing would generate $2 billion to $3 billion.

“If they’re real, I’ll take them,” said Murray.

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