Casino debate continues in Palmer

PALMER, Mass. (WWLP) - Gambling is not legal in Massachusetts, but that's not stopping the town of Palmer from laying the groundwork for a possible resort casino.

Casino gambling is a hot button topic that has sparked a heated debate in Palmer.

On Wednesday night at Palmer Town Hall municipal leaders talked about writing a law that could benefit their town.

Town council members met with State Representative Todd Smola and State Senator Stephen Brewer to discuss the possibility of casinos coming to their town.

Smola addressed in the meeting that if legislation is passed that allows gaming in Massachusetts, the town of Palmer needs to be prepared for it.

Operators of Mohegan Sun are pushing hard for a resort-style casino in Palmer.

Mohegan Sun, a $1 billion casino, wants to build near Massachusetts Turnpike Exit 8 in Palmer.

They hope to draw in a gambling circuit of people from all over the northeast.

Some residents think all the traffic that will come with the casino will disrupt their quiet town while others think the job opportunities the casino brings will outweigh the bad.