Major Players in the Massachusetts Slot Machine Game

There are some major players in the slot machine industry in Massachusetts, and I don’t mean those that want to pull the handle. There are groups within Mass. that would like to see the machines legalized for one reason or another. Some are government entities, some are tribes, but the reason stays the same – they think slot machines would be good for the state, and they know they would be good for them.

First up we have the Legislature who is already trying to pass bills that would allow slot machines in various parts of Mass. They have lobbyists, legislators, etc., working to try and get a slots bill passed. There are those who are willing to pay big money to get slot machines legalized, such as Harrah’s who paid $45,000 for lobbyists last year.

Next we have the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head on Martha's Vineyard – who is actually the state’s only “federally recognized” Indian tribe. They want Class III slot machines legalized so that they can offer them as well. Because of federal Indian gaming law, they have the right to have the same types of casino gambling that are offered elsewhere in the state. The tribe says that Governor Patrick is going to have to negotiate a compact with them that includes Class III slot machines.

Then there is The Mashpee Wampanoag on Cape Cod who won’t know if they have gotten federal recognition until March. They have donated various amounts to different legislators’ coffers in hopes of securing slot machines if they get federal status. The tribe paid a lobbying firm as well to work on the slot machine angle for them, as they are interested in opening a casino off Cape Cod.

Finally, we have the unions, who want the slot machines legalized because of the new blood it would bring in. If slot machines are legalized, they will have a plethora of unionized casinos and slot machine parlors, and many feel that they are actually one of the biggest proponents of slot gambling. These are just a few of the people who have a vested interest in the slot machines, the more people show an interest, the more money that will come flowing into the state to try and make it happen.
 

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