FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Doug Bailey, 617-332-0700, 617-335-8136

GOV. PATRICK’S CONFLICT NOT SURPRISING

Gambling Industry Reach To Conflict All Participants Knows No Bound

BOSTON – Feb. 29, 2008 – The Boston Globe’s Downtown column today, “Ropes & Chips” sadly shows how the gambling industry and its supporters infect everything it touches.

“There are perceived conflicts and there are direct conflicts,” said Richard Young, president of Casino Free Mass, a grassroots coalition opposed to the governor’s plan to build three giant casinos in the state. “The idea that the Patrick household income benefits from companies that have huge stake in winning approval to do their business here is a direct conflict of interest.”

Young said the Globe column raises legitimate questions about the motives of those pushing the casino bill, who will really benefit, and who is really pulling the strings on Beacon Hill.

“Is this good for Massachusetts or good for the lawyers, lobbyists and special interests who have ganged up to push this pig through the python,” Young said.

Casino Free Mass contends casinos cost taxpayers more in lost businesses, lower property values, higher social service costs, bankruptcies, public safety outlays, addiction and regulatory expense. Moreover, Governor Patrick’s plan to tax gambling industry profits is a bad deal compared to other states and will exacerbate state and municipal budget woes.

The Casino Free Mass coalition include: The National Association on Mental Illness, Massachusetts Chapter; the League of Women Voters of Massachusetts; the National Association of Social Workers, Massachusetts Chapter; the Massachusetts Catholic Conference; the Massachusetts Council of Churches; the Massachusetts Family Institute; the Interchurch Council of Greater New Bedford; the Muslim American Society, Boston Chapter; Casinofacts.orgIts partners include the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce, the Massachusetts Restaurant Association and other business and civic groups.

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