A majority of Massachusetts residents think the state legislature should approve the development of two or more resort casinos in the state, according to a survey conducted by the Center for Policy Analysis at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth.
Roll Of The Dice
Those who favor casino development outnumbered those opposed to it 57 percent to 30 percent in survey results and according to Clyde W. Barrow, the center’s director, the number of state residents who think casinos are a good idea is growing.
In the past, the center had found stronger support for casinos among urban residents, but now 59 percent of suburban residents support casino development, as well, the survey said.
Also, 40 percent of people who had never visited a casino said they supported building casinos in Massachusetts.
Barrow said state residents see casino revenue as a source of local property tax relief. The center surveyed 420 residents.
By a wide margin in March, the state legislature defeated Gov. Deval Patrick’s proposal to allow three resort casinos to be built in the state. However, Patrick reportedly holds out hope that the proposal may resurface.               Â
