Plainridge Racecourse has moved one step closer to their goal of hosting 1250 slot machines after a proposal to conduct a report on the impact of the machines was passed by the local council on Friday.
The Harness Racing Track is one of four venues across Massachusetts that is applying for a slot machine license before the Massachusetts Gaming Commission.
Plainridge Racecourse President Gary Piontkowski believes that his proposal is far better than that of his competition.
“We are ready to go we have everything in place except this agreement and the referendum,” Piontkowski said.
“Our plan us to spend $160 million sprucing up the racetrack to add 1,250 slot machines.
“We pulled our first permits in Plainville for this expansion in 2009.
“The garage is built and I figure we are 24 to 30 months ahead of everyone.”
Cummins Associates of Arlington has been commissioned to put together a report on the financial and social impact the addition of slot machines to the track would have.
Will Cummins, president of the consulting group, said that focusing on slot machines was smart as they generate almost ninety percent of the revenue at casino right across the United States of America.
“Whether they are at full-scale casinos or on their own at race tracks or, as some states have them, on a widespread basis the public’s appetite for gambling at slot machines is enormous,” Cummins said.
Cummins believes that the position of the racetrack, so close to two major highways, makes it the perfect location for a slot machine gambling site but says his company will still look at all the factors the introduction of slot machines may impact.
A decision on the slot machine license is expected to be made in September.
Source: Boston Globe