City council member Dennis L. Irish is calling on the Commonwealth to expand legalized gambling so Worcester could be considered “as a siting location for gaming.”
Irish is expected to hold a press conference outside the city tax collector’s office today at 2 p.m.
Irish is asking the council to urge the legislature, the Commonwealth’s special commission on gaming, and the people of Worcester to consider legalized gambling in the city.
Irish has prepared three orders asking as much, which he plans to present to the council during its April 10 meeting.
Irish would like a question about whether expanding legalized gaming is a good idea put on the November municipal election ballot.
In a statement, Irish said, “I have come to the conclusion that we should join our neighboring states Rhode Island and Connecticut in expanding legalized gaming in some manner.”
He said the money the city would receive from gambling in Worcester would help avoid teacher layoffs and property tax increases.
