Slots Parlor License Getting Closer In Mass.
BOSTON (CBS) - The Massachusetts Gaming Commissioners were bombarded with slick videos and big promises on Monday. Three companies are seeking to win a license to operate a large slot machine parlor in the Commonwealth. Chief Correspondent Joe Shortsleeve was there as they had a chance to make their final sales pitch.
The Boston Convention Center hearing room was jammed with high powered executives hoping their number comes up. The harness race track at Plainridge is one of the finalists fighting for that lucrative slots parlor license. If selected, harness racing would survive and the facility would be known as Plainridge Park Casino with 1,250 slot machines. The $225 million investment at the intersection of Routes 1 and 495 would feature the Doug Flutie Sports Pub.
Leominster is also among the finalists. A slots parlor there would be known as "Massachusetts Live." A $200 million project at the intersection of Routes 117 and 190, a hard luck part of the state in desperate need of development.
Dean Mazzarella is the Mayor. "Here is an opportunity to have a major impact more than either of other two communities to get people to work and offer some decent paying jobs."
The third finalist is the former dog track in Raynham.
Someday it could be known as Parx Raynham Casino. It would be a $227 million facility that they say could open within six months. The track has been in the Carney family for 70 years.
George Carney sees value in having deep roots. "I really feel we are not just someone who is floating into town and floating out in the morning."
Gaming Commission Chairman Steve Crosby says the winner who will be selected before mid-January will offer something unique. "We have asked for the "wow" factor and something above and beyond the norm," he said.
All three communities have already voted overwhelmingly in favor of their particular project. So who gets it? That decision will be made by a simple majority of the five commissioners.
MORE LOCAL NEWS FROM CBS BOSTON
