Casino gambling expanding in other states

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Part of the reason Massachusetts passed expanded gaming legislation was to create jobs and stimulate economic growth. The issue is: that is what many other states are thinking as well.

In Tuesday's election, three states all voted in favor of creating or expanding gambling. Close to home, Rhode Island voters approved the move to bring in table games to their largest casino, therefore creating more choices for casino-goers.

This has some concerned about the number of people who will eventually frequent casinos in Massachusetts. Still, others think we shouldn't allow other states to be the only ones benefiting from gaming.

“If people are from Massachusetts you're going to go here, they're not going to go to Connecticut,” Jason Schreiber of Chicopee said.

“They do have them everywhere else like Mohegan, so why not us?” said Perterson Wenjir of Springfield.

Stephen Crosby, the chairman of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission , had said that the Rhode Island vote was expected before legislation was passed, and he doesn't think this changes anything.

In addition to Rhode Island, Maryland and Oregon also voted to add or expand gambling in their states.