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U.S. Senator Supports Casino Repeal Effort

Prominent Lawmaker On Capitol Hill Will Vote Against Casinos

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Maybe the odds of Massachusetts casino law being repealed is better than everyone had originally thought.

U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren, one of the most prominent Democrats in the country, has signaled her intention to support her home state repealing (potentially) a law that authorized three Las Vegas-style casinos and one slots-only parlor in the state.

“I come to the question of gambling from a background in bankruptcy and what happens economically to families,” Warren told reporters yesterday, the Boston Herald reported. “It’s a tough call here. People need jobs, but gambling can be a real problem economically for a lot of people. I didn’t support gambling the first time around and I don’t expect to support it (now).”

She added: “We’ve had this vote before, and now we’ll have the chance to take a second look. We’ll have a little more information than we had before and I’m not sure how it will turn out. This is why people have the chance to get out and vote on it.”

Warren will have just one vote, like every other voter in the state. The issue is up to a statewide referendum. Back in June, a court ruled that it could go to the ballot.

The news was bad for casino firms such as MGM Resorts International, Wynn Resorts and Penn National Gaming, all of which are hoping to open properties in the state.

Massachusetts could refund licensing fees if the law is repealed