East Boston business group backs Suffolk Downs casino

East Boston business group backs Suffolk Downs casino
Boston Herald
By Thomas Grillo

The East Boston Chamber of Commerce strongly supports expanded gambling at Suffolk Downs, the thoroughbred racetrack in East Boston.

In a letter to East Boston residents, Chamber executives praised Suffolk Downs as an important contributor to the East Boston business community.

“Suffolk Downs is ideally suited for expanded gambling, should the Commonwealth authorize it,” said the letter from chamber president Angelo Vigliotta and John Dudley, its executive director.

“An expanded gambling development, completed in phases over the next 4-7 years, will bring much-needed jobs and revenue to the area along with ancillary economic benefits for East Boston businesses,” the letter said.

The letter also notes that gambling would produce up to $500 million in annual revenue for the state, which can be distributed to cities and towns.

“As East Boston and its neighboring communities face cuts to essential government services, this potential revenue stream is vitally important,” the letter said.

The racetrack, owned by Richard Fields, has entered into an agreement for a resort-style casino at the site with the owners of Wonderland Greyhound Park in Revere.

Beacon Hill lawmakers would have to approve expanded gambling before any casino could be built in the Bay State.