First, in the poll, only 29 percent of those polled “strongly favor” legalizing casino gambling. 24 percent “favor somewhat” legalizing gambling. This does not sound like a groundswell of support for the Governor’s plan.
On even closer examination, responses to one poll question indicate that only a small minority of those polled favor at least the number of casinos proposed by the Governor. 33 percent of those polled favor opening three or more casinos in Massachusetts, 32 percent favor opening one or two casinos, while 29 percent are opposed to any. A majority of those polled, 61 percent, oppose an important detail of the Governor’s plan – three casinos.
Then there is the major poll question itself. The first question posed on gambling was as follows:
I’d like to turn to the subject of gambling in Massachusetts. Governor Patrick has recently proposed legal casino gambling, including slot machines, at three locations in Massachusetts. Supporters argue that this will bring in hundreds of millions of dollars in revenues to the State of Massachusetts while opponents argue that casinos will increase social problems from compulsive gambling. What about you ? do you favor or oppose legalizing casino gambling in Massachusetts? Is that strongly or just somewhat?
The way that this question is structured would tend to produce more favorable responses toward casino gambling. It talks about hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue for Massachusetts in support of casino gambling, but an increase in gambling addiction in opposition to it. Most of those polled will benefit at least a little from the increased revenues, but will not suffer from the effects of gambling addiction. The poll might have gotten a different response had it phrased the question as follows.
I’d like to turn to the subject of gambling in Massachusetts. Governor Patrick has recently proposed legal casino gambling, including slot machines, at three locations in Massachusetts. Supporters argue that this will bring in hundreds of millions of dollars in revenues to the State of Massachusetts while opponents argue that casinos will increase compulsive gambling, crime, and traffic, and will decrease the general quality of life in Massachusetts. What about you ? do you favor or oppose legalizing casino gambling in Massachusetts? Is that strongly or just somewhat?
The most enlightening thing about this poll is that it reveals the probable editorial position of The Boston Globe on the issue.
