Posts
Comments

Lottery’s latest: Home Keno parlors

Mar 26th, 2008 by Nelson Benton

Opinions are decidedly mixed over whether Massachusetts should allow casino gambling. But a new program put forward by the Massachusetts Lottery Commission could turn every pharmacy and convenience store into a gaming outlet.
It’s called “Keno-to-go” and would greatly expand the number of locations at which one can buy Keno tickets. These outlets had been resricted to “pouring establishments” where players would purchase their tickets and have a drink and/or something to eat while waiting for their numbers to show up on TV screens placed about the premises.
Under the new scheme, you’ll be able to buy your tickets at the local variety store, then go home and view the results online.
This expansion of the Lottery’s reach must be approved by local licensing authorities, however, and it will be interesting to see whether these applications engender any controversy. The town of Norwell has been among the handful to give Keno-to-go its blessing since the program was introduced about a week ago.
Interestingly, when asked whether this might be the first step towards state-sponsored online gambling, state Treasurer Tim Cahill didn’t exactly rule it out during a meeting with editors this week.
“Only if government allows it,” he said.

Posted in Massachusetts politics, Nelson Benton, Uncategorized | Comments

  • bilge rat
    I'm no MENSA member, but I'm not a vapid moron either...that being said, could someone please explain to me why casinos are so terrible but state-sponsored online gaming and a CVS Keno parlor is fine?
    I've played Keno twice, and it is THE most boring game I have every played. I would rather play Candyland with a toddler than Keno. Personally, I find it annoying when we go out for dinner with friends and they're playing Keno. It's distracting and rude, always running to the bar to check their numbers, etc.
    Also, there are some of us that enjoy other activites at casinos, such as sporting events, shows, dining, and shopping. It's not all about the tables and slots.
    Oh well...guess I'll have to keep driving to CT until the Peoples Republic of Massachusetts wakes up and smells the coffee...
    :-)
  • michael cook
    Bilge Rat, you are right on the money.
    The fact DiMasi croaked casinos, mixed as my feelings are about them, while the state is considering putting Keno machines in CVS's and White Hen Pantry's is insane.
    As you said, at a casino you also can take in a show, swim in the pool, or dance in the disco.
    I watched the other day in disbelief at the Richdale store on State Street in Nbpt as a woman, who obviously didn't have 250 bucks to spare to spend on scratch tickets did just that. At the Dunkin Donuts counter in the same store, six men sat glued to the KENO machine.
    Three hours later, when I popped back into the store to buy a can of cat food, four of those men were still sitting there, their cards and little pencils in hand.
    It's crazy.
    If gambling revenues, whether they come from casinos, scratch tickets, or Keno, are what our politicians view as our fiscal salvation, then, in my view, we are in deep, deep, doo doo indeed.
  • jacrlsn
    Mr. Cook, they don't look at it as fiscal salvation, they look at it as more money to spend. They will never stop spending every cent that they can lay their hands on until we refuse to give them any more. It doesn't matter whether it is the state, (sorry commonwealth) cities, towns, village, or federal they look at "revenues" as theirs to be spent. This half hearted scheme for participation in the state medical insurance is not even a band-aid and they didn't even have the guts to make that mandatory. It's going to be time soon for another 1776.
  • michael cook
    Mr. Carlson, you may well be right.
    Of course you and I will disagree vehemently on what the outcome of such a "revolution" will or should look like, but it is no doubt coming.
    Happy spring, if it ever truly comes??!!
  • bilge rat
    I agree with Jim, it definitely means more money for the state to spend without having to take a hard look and correct the current failing fiscal policies. I have to say it really does surprise me that given what a cash cow a casino would be, that our esteemed elected officials (insert sarcasm here) weren't salivating to push a casino plan through.

    I've seen the same Keno tableau, Michael, in Salem also.
    Nothing annoys me more than getting stuck behind someone at the local convenience store cashing in and purchasing more scratch tickets during the morning rush hour.

    They call it rush hour for a reason...everyone, or at least those of us that are gainfully employed, are rushing to get to work!
  • bilge rat
    I threw my white jasmine tea in the harbor this morning for good measure.....
    Who's next???

    :-)
  • michael cook
    BR, it really is both annoying and unsettling.
    I had a lot of time my hands this winter as I opted to come back to Nbpt in December thinking I'd find work in the restaurant business with relative ease. Wrong!
    But when I'd go downtown to the local Richdale to pick up a can of dog or cat food, or whatever else I forgot to get @ Mkt Basket, I was always thunderstruck by the numbet of people sitting, staring at the KENO machine or lining up to spend, 50 or 100 bucks on scratch tickets.
    Now, I don't mean to sound liberal or elitist, LOL, but most of those people obviously didn't have an extra fifty or 100 bucks to spare for scratch tickets.
    This lottery/KENO thing, I believe, is nothing but a grossly repressive tax on those most unable to afford it as they chase a fantasy of instant riches and eternal happiness.
    Not to mention it means it can take ten minutes to make a "convenient" purchase in a "convenience" store.
    Hey, it's actually warm out today!!!
  • jacrlsn
    Kudo's to you Mr. Cook, very well said. Sorry for replying but your message should be universally accepted
  • michael cook
    Thanks Mr. Carlson.
    you know, exchanging postings with you and Bilge rat is opening my eyes to new perspectives and, I hope, some of the rhetoric I throw out there may do the same.
    if the truth be told, we can all, if we're willing to be open, learn from one another.
    That, in my book, is what makes America great.
    Ciao for now.
blog comments powered by Disqus