Ballot question would repeal Mass. casino law
BOSTON — A coalition of gambling opponents is pushing a proposed ballot question that would repeal the law legalizing casino gambling in Massachusetts.
The group says it filed the proposed question with the state attorney general’s office on Wednesday, the deadline for submitting questions for the 2014 ballot.
The group, which includes Somerville Mayor Joe Curtatone, says casinos do more harm than good. The law authorizes up to three casinos and one slots parlor.
The push comes as a state gaming commission created under the 2011 law is weighing proposals from companies looking to be awarded the four state licenses.
The commission is expected to award a slots license before the end of the year and the casino licenses early next year.
Activists must collect tens of thousands of signatures to get the measure on the ballot.
Nevada gaming companies are seeking entry into Massachusetts.
MGM Resorts International has a proposal for a hotel-casino in the western Massachusetts town of Springfield. Caesars Entertainment Corp. and Wynn Resorts Ltd. are bidding on the single license for the Boston market.
