Tourism chiefs in casino debate
28th January, 2008
Tourism leaders in Massachusetts have met to discuss whether opening three new casinos in the area will be positive for the industry.
More than 150 delegates headed to the second annual North of Boston Convention and Visitors Bureau conference to debate the issue.
Those who are in favour of the building of the new casinos say that it will not only bring up to 20,000 new permanent jobs to the area but will also see 10,000 construction workers employed.
It is also estimated that around $400 million (£200 million) will be raised annually in tax revenues which can be put towards public health and making improvements for the local community.
Locals who were concerned about a possible rise in crime in the area should the casinos be given the green light were advised that the impact would be minimal.
Public Safety Secretary Kevin Burke said: "I can tell you that the law enforcement impact, given the plan and the method the governor has devised in this bill, for locating and building a casino, would be one that is very manageable.
"I would suggest to you that the impact of crime is that which you would get from locating a large, Disney World-type complex."
