Commission’s fair game
Even critics say gambling group starting out OK
By John Zaremba and Dan O’Brien | Sunday, May 13,
2012 | http://www.bostonherald.com | Local Coverage
The state gaming commission, though stumbling in its infancy, has fared better than others
across the country in its mission to mold Massachusetts’ casino business, according to industry
experts and even the group’s critics.
“This one’s probably getting off to a better start, believe it or not, than the other ones,” said the
Rev. Richard McGowan, a Boston College professor and an expert on gaming nationwide. “It’s
a tough thing, because a lot of people don’t know the industry and what to expect from the
industry. A lot of times, the commission is set up to say, ‘Let’s get as much money for the
license as we can.’ That’s not supposed to be its purpose.”
Among the Massachusetts commission’s missteps:
• In January, newly minted chairman Stephen Crosby spoke at a gaming lobbyist’s forum — an
appearance that by his own admission posed the appearance of a conflict of interest.
• The following month, Crosby attended a party in his honor, financed by the law firm
representing the state in contract negotiations with the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe, which plans a
casino in Taunton.
• Would-be executive director Carl Stanley McGee withdrew after the revelation he was
investigated — but never charged — in connection with a 2007 sexual-assault case involving a
15-year-old boy in Florida.
Elsewhere, the missteps have been bigger and broader: Pennsylvania’s board warranted a twoyear grand-jury investigation, which found members getting cozy with casino companies,
withholding information from the public and holding secret meetings.
“In many cases, there are good people on these commissions. But we expect those people to turn
something that is so ingrained with shady business ... into something that is wonderful,” said
Diane Berlin, who runs CasinoFree PA in Lancaster County, Penn. “It raises expectations in
people that will definitely not be fulfilled. And it will not solve the state’s financial problems.”
Attorney Paul Boni of Philadelphia, a member of Stop Predatory Gambling, said states should
stop outsourcing the grunt work to commissions and put the responsibility on lawmakers
themselves.
“My advice for citizens: Press these issues with the Legislature, because they are the ones that
write the laws. To a certain extent, the (gaming commission) is a punching bag to divert attention
from lawmakers,” he said.
The Massachusetts commission’s critics say they’re holding out hope that the mistakes of weeks
past were symptoms of a sharp learning curve.
“I’m a Republican in Massachusetts, which means I’m a chronic optimist,” state Rep. Dan
Winslow (R-Norfolk) said. “Much of improvement comes from experience. As the agency gains
experience, it will get better. They’ve got the