O'Flaherty on Why He Voted for the Casino Bill

Late Wednesday night, the Massachusetts House voted 123-32 in favor of a controversial casino gambling bill that supporters say will bring more jobs to the Commonwealth.

Charlestown's State Rep. Eugene O'Flaherty, D-Chelsea, "reluctantly" voted to support the bill. He wrote to Patch this morning, explaining his vote.

Late last evening I reluctantly voted for casino gaming to come to Massachusetts. I say reluctantly because my concern is the impact on our state lottery (the most successful in the nation) and the potential that it would be hurt as a revenue source. I remain concerned also about the impact gaming will have on our Commonwealth's image. The only satisfaction I have from casting the vote in favor is the employment that will be created; in all my years in public office I have never seen the economy as bad and so many unemployed. Our construction industry is hurting and this will help. My vote will certainly create jobs and result in hundreds of millions of dollars in licensing fees and revenues and my concerns had to be put at the wayside given our economic turmoil.

The bill, as passed by the house, would allow up to three “resort” casinos and one slots-only gambling parlor in Massachusetts, according to the Globe. The Senate will likely vote on the proposal later this month. Gov. Deval Patrick has shown support as well.

If passed, the first slot parlor could open within a year.