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...]
Why I won’t support Steve Grossman for governor: The Lottery
I was recently contacted by the Grossman campaign, asking for my support for Steve's bid for the corner office. I wrote back, telling Steve that, while I admire some of his successes as Treasurer, his handling of the Lottery — specifically, … [Read more...]
General Local Aid No Longer Supported with State Tax Revenue
The money that the state provides to cities and towns for police and fire protection, parks, and other core local services is often referred to as general local aid (cities and towns receive separate Chapter 70 education aid to help fund … [Read more...]
Massachusetts ranks #2 in U.S. in “The Sucker Index”
Bloomberg News released a brand new "Sucker Index" today. It created the Sucker Index with 2010 data from the US Census and annual reports from state lottery commissions. The total dollar amount of prizes awarded was subtracted from ticket … [Read more...]
“Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses” Massachusetts Lottery-style
While Massachusetts state government already pushes $20 scratch tickets and offers Keno games every four minutes 1500 times a week in almost 8000 locations across the state, new Treasurer Steve Grossman has declared it is not enough. In an … [Read more...]
How to break the lottery
Here's an interesting article about a guy who broke the scratch-ticket lottery in Toronto. Essentially the weakness is that the lottery must control how much is pays out, which makes the game not random. In addition, the tickets are … [Read more...]
Globe Reveals Mary ‘ZZZZZZZZZ’ Connaughton Asleep at the Switch While Lottery CFO
Worse still for poor Mary Z, this story of incompetence follows last week's revelation of the key role she played as Chief Compliance Office at the Treasury in losing $16 million after she dumped the only experienced qualified vendor in … [Read more...]
Treasurer Conundrum
The most striking thing about the treasurer's debate was that there was very little difference between the candidates on issues affecting the office of treasurer. In fact, near the end of the debate the candidates were asked each to … [Read more...]
They won’t use their own product but they will sing their own theme song
The Boston Herald reports Foxwoods Resort Casino in Connecticut is looking for a new voice to resurrect its catchy "Wonder of It All" theme song and has launched an online "American Idol"-type contest. The contest is open to … [Read more...]