By Philip Carver

As Massachusetts's economy moves headlong into 2006 it does so with quiet trepidation. Although our economy continues to grow, it does so in an understated way that gives many financial prognosticators fits. Some economic indicators are so afraid of the sluggishness that permeates our local economy that they paint a dim picture for our economic growth in this coming year. For example, UMass-Amherst's Donahue Institute is predicting a paltry 1 percent first-half local economic growth. For the sake of our collective pocketbooks let's hope that the proverbial "slow and steady" tortoise wins this race. The alternative is all too familiar for us, the taxpayer….simple economics dictate that a sluggish regional economy has a negative impact on state tax receipts resulting in slashed government services and our Legislators turning to us, the taxpayers, in their ongoing search for new revenue. Not so fast. For once it appears the Commonwealth's elected officials are attempting to make us money rather than take our money.

In March, the Massachusetts State Legislature will begin weighing the options of allowing slot machines at four racing venues in the Commonwealth. Does the Massachusetts economy really need to resort to gaming to raise funds? In a word, yes. In two words, yes, yes!! In my estimation, the gaming legislation in question does not go far enough. It is time to set aside our Puritanical beliefs, and embrace the fact that the gaming industry is a proven revenue generating engine. Slots and other video gaming machines are cash cows with the proceeds being distributed throughout our state, aiding municipal budgets and allowing a reduction in fees and taxes. For example; the state of Rhode Island receives close to 60 cents out of every dollar wagered in their state. This year alone they are anticipating $255 million dollars in return. That is quite an economic boost; now in order to extrapolate this scenario to the Commonwealth we need to know what Massachusetts residents spend on gambling. Here are the facts: (Courtesy of the New England Casino Gaming Update, 2005)

• It is estimated that Massachusetts residents spent approximately $831.5 million dollars at Connecticut's two casinos in calendar year 2004. Based on this estimate, Massachusetts residents indirectly contributed approximately $116.6 million dollars to the Connecticut state treasury via the states casinos.

• It is estimated that Massachusetts residents spent approximately $179.9 million dollars at Rhode Island's two racinos. (Racinos: Combine racetracks and casinos) Based on this estimate, Massachusetts residents indirectly contributed approximately $97.8 million dollars to the Rhode Island state treasury via the states racinos. Since 1992 Massachusetts residents have wagered about $3.4 billion at the two Rhode Island outlets. (CFPA study) estimates.

On Beacon Hill, Governor Romney is proposing a $200 million reserve fund to aid in the Commonwealth's efforts to subsidize expanded health care programs. Our state government is stymied trying to fund universal health care, full-day kindergarten, state road and bridge repair and other basic infrastructure initiatives. Yet, if you combine the above estimates you will see that Massachusetts residents generate close to $215 million dollars annually for two of our fellow New England states. Our region is so "flush" (pun intended) with cash that Donald Trump himself wants in on the action. In an attempt to cut off the Massachusetts gambling sojourns to Connecticut, he is exploring the possibility of building a casino in Johnston, Rhode Island, home to the state's largest landfill. Trump is a pragmatist and he understands that money is hemorrhaging out of Massachusetts and he is eager to cash in. Our neighbors to the North are cashing in as well. Slot machines are by no means a fiscal panacea, however there is no logical reason to allow that much money to leave our state coffers.

Critics will have you believe slot machines will prove to be the moral downfall of our state. They will claim that by expanding gambling options you will invite the crime, addiction, and other assorted societal problems will soon follow. Now, I am no sociologist but I am a realist and I find it hard to believe that by allowing video gaming at four racetracks we will spawn a generation of gamblers. Let's be real, Connecticut casinos offer virtually free bus rides every hour on the hour and for those who don't want to leave the comfort of their own home there are more than 2,000 gambling Web sites on the internet that will collect close to $10 billion in revenue this year, most from U.S. consumers. Let's not forget the state lottery's scratch tickets and Keno. The point being, if a person wants to gamble there is currently no shortage of outlets for them to use. These are the same tired arguments that were tossed around when the State Lottery was first proposed. The lottery has been and will continue to be a huge windfall for the commonwealth and Rome has yet to burn. If you fear slot machines will surely kill the Commonwealth's current lottery system, rest easy. The Massachusetts State Lottery recently released an introspective report of the Lottery authored by an independent gaming industry consultant and its findings were the exact opposite. The report calls the Lottery "the best performing lottery in the United States," but cautions that changes are necessary to continue growth and stimulate the program. Possible changes examined in the report include an alternate form of Keno involving horseracing; a televised Bingo game; and the introduction of video lottery terminals. Treasurer Cahill's office feels that the state lottery system could "bring in hundreds of millions of extra dollars a year with high tech slot machines at the states four racetracks."

This should be the closest thing to a no-brainer the legislature decides on all year. Adding video gaming will redirect a steady, reliable and voluntary revenue stream from our neighboring sister states back to ours. It will help bolster a lagging racing industry and aid in creating and sustaining jobs. The Massachusetts Lottery is a $4.4 billion business (FY05). Its net proceeds, which totaled a record $936 million in FY05, are returned as local aid to the cities and towns of the Commonwealth. The addition of video gaming will aid the sluggish Mass Lottery to increase revenue, which in turn will increase the local aid that the lottery dispenses to the 351 cities and towns. In our ever changing global market and shrinking corporate tax base it is incumbent upon us to be able to generate firm revenue without overburdening the taxpayers. I urge you to contact your state legislators and ask them to support this initiative.

Philip J. Carver is a lifelong Dorchester resident, neighborhood activist and current President of the Pope's Hill Neighborhood Association.