Question 1, more than anything else on the Nov. 8 ballot, may leave voters scratching their heads because it’s about allowing another slots machine parlor in the state.
A “yes” vote would allow a second slots parlor to exist in Massachusetts beyond Plainville’s Plainridge Park Casino allowed under the state’s 2011 gambling law that also allowed three resort casinos.
Although the question does not specify a particular site, the question is backed by international developer Eugene McCain, who hopes to build a luxury hotel and gambling facility near Suffolk Downs in East Boston.
In fact, the language of the question specifies that the site be “at least four acres in size (and) adjacent to and within 1,500 feet of a race track, including the track’s additional facilities, such as the track, grounds, paddocks, barns, auditorium, amphitheatre, and bleachers; (and) where a horse racing meeting may physically be held; (but) not separated from the race track by a highway or railway.”
Any such additional gaming station would also need approved from the Massachusetts Gaming Commission.
Opposing the measure is Mayor Brian Arrigo of neighboring Revere, which would be directly impacted, and also Gov. Charlie Baker, who favors waiting for completion of the two casinos being built to consider adding additional facilities.