"Slot parlor OK’d for Plainville racetrack" by Mark Arsenault | Globe staff, February 28, 2014
The state’s tumultuous effort to launch the casino gambling industry took a giant leap forward Thursday, with the state gambling commission’s milestone selection of Penn National Gaming to build the first slot machine parlor in Massachusetts, at Plainridge Racecourse.
Penn’s $225 million proposal to expand the state’s only harness racing track, at Route 1 and Interstate 495 in Plainville, into a gambling hall won a 3-to-2 majority in a vote of the five-member commission. Penn narrowly edged a highly rated proposal in Leominster by Cordish Cos. A third applicant, Raynham Park, received no votes and did not heavily factor in debate.
Penn officials are wasting no time, scheduling a design and construction meeting Monday in Plainville. They expect to open for business by spring 2015.
Penn won on the strength of its experience running 27 US facilities, which commissioners suggested makes Penn better suited to weather competition and any downturns in the economy. Commissioners also put weight on the fact that the project would preserve the state’s harness racing industry.
Thursday’s vote followed hours of tense back-and-forth deliberations, held entirely in open session and broadcast on the Internet, offering the public unusual access to the sausage-making behind such a far-reaching decision....
--more--"
Also see: Revereing Casinos
