I testified this morning on whether Massachusetts state government should begin sponsoring online gambling, a proposal, that if implemented, will ultimately open a casino and lottery retailer in every living room, bedroom and smart phone in … [Read more...]
Changing “a system rigged against everyday people”
Senator Elizabeth Warren has repeatedly and accurately described how "our system is rigged against everyday people." One of the best examples of Sen. Warren's declaration is government-sponsored casinos and lotteries, both of which … [Read more...]
When a “Loss” is a Win for Genuine Social Justice
Lost amid the swirling media stories of the day comes the remarkable effort by the people of Brockton. They have successfully stood up to a billionaire out-of-state gambling operator who, in partnership with the city and state political … [Read more...]
MA Legislature attempts to secretly hand ATMs to casinos in end-of-year lobbying push
On Christmas Eve morning, when virtually no media, citizens or other state legislators were paying attention to legislative business, the Massachusetts Senate approved an amendment during informal session that would allow ATMs inside … [Read more...]
Political comedian John Oliver skewers predatory gambling
National political comedian John Oliver, a popular former cast member of The Daily Show by Jon Stewart who now hosts his own show on HBO called "Last Week Tonight," took dead aim at the issue of predatory gambling. While public officials … [Read more...]
Citizens to Smash Slot Machine at State House on Wednesday
Pointing to the clear and substantial evidence that government-sponsored slot machines are dishonest, harmful to frequent users and contributing to rising inequality and unfairness in America, citizens will smash a modern slot machine in a … [Read more...]
Change minds about why casinos matter with a roll of pennies
We mailed a penny today to more than 200 prominent Massachusetts journalists, public officials, business leaders and philanthropists, calling on them to use a penny slot machine at a casino outside the state. We titled it "A Penny Is All … [Read more...]
Sen. Elizabeth Warren will vote to repeal casino law
U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren told a Boston Herald reporter yesterday that she will vote to repeal the law allowing state government to promote and partner with casino corporations: “I come to the question of gambling from a background in … [Read more...]
Casino giant Genting is violating the spirit of Massachusetts lobbying laws
The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and now The Miami Herald have all run high profile news reports exposing how Genting, the overseas multi-billion dollar casino operator behind the proposed casino agreement with the Mashpee … [Read more...]
Massachusetts Lottery Congratulates Itself for 40 Years of Failure
The Massachusetts Lottery is throwing itself a State House party to tout its 40th anniversary even though it has been a failed public policy by nearly every measure. How has the Massachusetts Lottery failed over the past four … [Read more...]