Residents in Massachusetts are wondering what is happening with slot machines in the state. It’s been a long standing debate within the state whether or not to allow slots gambling in or not. Part of the issue is that legislators don’t know what is going on so they can’t communicate to the voting public what the status of the games is. Governor Deval Patrick  and the House Speaker Robert A DeLeo have been going at it regarding the issue for months now. Each one offered his own opinion on what to do, and no resolution is in sight.

Governor Deval Patrick is concerned with the effects he believes slot machines will have on their residents. He is stating that slot machines will bring in crime, corruption and addiction. He also cites that without the proper contingency plans to handle legalizing and regulating slots gambling, the state is sure to fall into hefty problems. On the other hand, Patrick says that he is in support of bringing casino gambling to the state, but he wants to know the consequences first. He wants the slot machines to be brought in only after there is a thorough review of the potential problems and how to solve them is compiles. Patrick seems to have a focus on creating more of a solid plan before going through with the move. He has also said that many legislators and citizens are too focused on the potential millions of dollars that have come into other states and counties as a result. Though the money is an advantage, it isn’t a sure-thing. No one knows what exactly slots will bring in terms of revenue and projections are not always accurate. Relying on them is the most foolish move the state legislators can make.

DeLeo believes that the state needs to begin with slot machines and then make the “natural progression” to table games and big time casinos. He says that you have to have slot machines at the tracks because they are basically the cornerstone of gambling. DeLeo is trying to push forward legislation that would legalize slot machines at all of the state’s four racetracks.

Slots lovers in Massachusetts are tired of waiting for the machines to come to the state. The decision to bring slots to the state has long been under debate. On one side you have the pro-slots people who believe that they are a fun game and bring in the much needed revenue to various states, cities and counties. Legislators are working overtime to write laws that legalize and regulate gambling due to the huge money at stake. On the other hand you have the critics of bringing gambling into the state, city and counties. They believe that legalizing gambling would inevitably bring in crime, money laundering and violence to their areas. They believe that the ethical-price to pay is not worth the millions of dollars most legislators are trying to bring into the areas.

Regardless of what pans out eventually, both sides are going to be excited for a final decision. Those who want slot machines are ready to play and those who don’t are ready to move on. Every week the state of Massachusetts touches on another issue and makes it seem like the decision is close to being made. Governor Deval Patrick is not picking sides easily and that is causing more problems with voters. They want to know his official stance on the issue. Some say that he is purposely being closed-mouthed about it due to wanting to be reelected. If that is true, the plan may be backfiring since some people are saying that because he won’t pick sides they are choosing to vote for someone else.

The only information Patrick has divulged over the past few months is that if slots are approved for the state, he would want them to only be in casinos and not sprinkled around the state. Many people are also asking if he would allow them in racetracks since tracks are suffering greatly since the recession. He is being called to make decisions public about the issue as soon as possible. In upcoming months the public will see if he is willing to take a position on the issue or not. It is very important that he remains transparent on issues, but it is unknown if gambling will be one of them.