Tough times are making work for Lady Luck. Faced with paralyzing budget shortfalls, state lawmakers nationwide are turning to expanded casino gambling as a source of extra tax revenue. In Massachusetts, lawmakers introduced a plan on Aug. 23 to sell licenses for three new casinos and a slots parlor, with the initial support of Governor Deval Patrick. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is studying a constitutional amendment that would allow non-Indian casino gambling in his state. And in Illinois, lawmakers are pushing Governor Pat Quinn to sign off on new casinos in Chicago and four other locations.
These shifts would follow...