Massachusetts voters soundly rejected a ban on Las Vegas-style gambling Tuesday allowing casino projects to move forward in Springfield and eastern Massachusetts.
The casino industry spent $12 million to defeat the referendum. MGM which is planning to build an $800 million resort casino in downtown Springfield threw a party for hundreds of supporters. MGM President Bill Hornbuckle said construction work will begin at once.
"Tonight's vote wasn't just about Springfield, it was not just about the Commonwealth. It was about the state of our industry in America. And, we kicked ass, and thank you for that."
An exuberant Mayor Domenic Sarno thanked neighborhood groups and organized labor for campaigning for the casino, which he said will be the largest economic development project in the city’s history.
