The Hiller Instinct: Casinos

But I still have seven sure bets that can't lose...

My opening bet is that there will never be three resort style casinos in Massachusetts. I know we think we're special, but--get a grip:

Connecticut--which is already the east coast capitol of gambling--has two of what we want: Foxwoods--the biggest casino in the country, and Mohegan Sun, the second biggest.

We'll be lucky to get one like that.

And bet number two is that Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun will double down to protect their profits from any Bay State raid on their business--by expanding and upgrading.

And when they go all in, they won't be bluffing.

Bet number three: whatever the prediction is about how much revenue casinos will raise for the state, the actual number will be less.

Bet number four is related: no matter how many jobs are promised, the actual number will also be less.

Why? Because that's how Beacon Hill rolls, and they don't even need dice to do it.

Bet number five is a slam dunk: wherever a casino is built, crime will go up.

Because what do you think happens when cash and alcohol are mixed with desperate dreams?

Bet number six: no matter what Beacon Hill does, there's going to be a lot of disappointment, and a lot of finger pointing.

My final bet--and you can put all the gold on the golden dome on this:

When Massachusetts looks for the biggest loser in the casino debate, look for House Speaker Robert DeLeo.

I’m Andy Hiller, and that’s my instinct.

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