Casinos may be banned in exchange for cash

Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2003 | 11:22 a.m.

BOSTON -- Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney is considering barring casinos in the state in exchange for money from Connecticut, Rhode Island and New Hampshire gaming companies, the Boston Herald reported, citing unidentified people.

If realized, the state could reap a one-time fee of $80 million without the long-term costs and implications of having casinos in Massachusetts, the newspaper said, citing unidentified senior administration officials. Next year, Massachusetts is anticipating a $3 billion budget deficit, the Herald reported.

The main obstacle facing such a proposal is the state prohibits such A law from being binding on Romney's successors, the newspaper said. The plan would also likely face opposition from casino supporters, such as the Wampanoag Tribe of Martha's Vineyard, the Herald said.

At least five Las Vegas casino resort developers have been interested in opening gambling resorts in Massachusetts. They are Harrah's Entertainment Inc., Mandalay Resort Group, MGM MIRAGE, Park Place Entertainment Corp. and Venetian owner Sheldon Adelson.

Some of these Las Vegas companies and others have also been looking at casino opportunities in other northeastern states like Rhode Island.

Wyeth reveals probe

MADISON, N.J. -- Wyeth today said it expects a subpoena from the U.S. Justice Department for an inquiry into allegations of "collusive" sales practices with another drugmaker.

The company made the disclosure in a regulatory filing.