Blue Mass Group

I just called Governor Patrick’s office at 617-725-4005 to urge him to veto the flawed casino bill that threatens our small businesses and many of our economically struggling residents. I explained that I volunteered for him in his election bids and had expected him to work for citizens, not narrow special interests. The aide with whom I spoke indicated that they were receiving many similar calls.

For those who have called, thank you. For those who haven’t, and who have come to share my view that casinos would likely siphon more money out of our state than they would bring in, please call the Governor at 617-725-4005 to respectfully urge him to veto this bill.

I thank the organization United to Stop Slots in Massachusetts for the education they have provided me at their website. I was especially persuaded about their page titled The Truth About Slot Machines.

They quote Dr. Natash Dow Schull, Assistant Professor at MIT:

“It’s important for voters to understand how these machines work. Every feature of a slot machine — its mathematical structure, visual graphics, sound dynamics, seating and screen ergonomics — is calibrated to increase a gambler’s “time on device” and to encourage “play to extinction,” which is industry jargon for playing until all your money is gone. The machines have evolved from handles and reels to buttons and screens, from coins to credit cards, from a few games a minute to hundreds. Inside, complicated algorithms perform a high-tech version of “loading the dice” — deceptions no self-respecting casino would ever allow in table gambling. The machines are designed to exploit aspects of human psychology, and they do it well. In the eyes of the gaming industry, this may look like success, but it comes at great expense for gamblers.”

Additional arguments against the casino bill can be found on the Gladys Kravitz blog. Please call the Governor 617-725-4005.