States consider expanding gambling as revenue stream

Many states across the country are struggling with billions of dollars in budget gaps and several of them are considering expanding some form of gambling to generate much needed revenue. Lawmakers in Massachusetts today are expected to begin debating a bill to license two resort-style casinos in the state and to introduce slot machines at the state’s racetracks. Proponents of the plan say expanded gambling in Massachusetts could create as many as 15,000 jobs and reduce the state’s budget deficit.

In the second of two stories we’re doing on this subject this week, we’re looking at how Massachusetts’ neighbor Connecticut has fared with the Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods Resort casinos. We speak with Jared Bowen, a reporter at WGBH, about his reporting from Norwich, Connecticut which borders the casinos.

Our partner, WGBH, is taking an in-depth look at the casino gambling debate in Massachusetts and considering what it means for people living and working in the Commonwealth with The Last Resort – a TV and radio series airing this week.