For more than 20 years gamblers from all over the Northeast have streamed in droves to Connecticut's two mega-casino complexes into which they have poured billions of dollars. Throughout this time Connecticut politicians at every level have fought tooth and nail to prevent any other entity from establishing any more casinos anywhere within the state.

Alas, competition is on the horizon. Multiple casinos are imminent in Massachusetts, New York and perhaps other Northeast states. Hence the politicians' dogged vow of; “No more casinos!" has recently flip-flopped to; "Secure the borders! Build more casinos!" The security being the building of a number of strategically placed mini-casinos that are to be run by the Mashantuckets and the Mohegans to comply with the stranglehold pact the state dubiously entered into with the tribes’ years ago. The wishful thinking is that they will staunch the flow of Connecticut gamblers into Massachusetts and New York thereby preserving jobs and slot revenue going to the state.

Not long ago competition-free Connecticut was the envy of the casino gambling industry. It is now rapidly becoming that industry's laughing stock.

Gerald Drury

Ledyard