by Paul Ramlow, USTA Internet News Manager

Columbus, OH — Plainridge Racecourse is once again asking the Massachusetts Legislature to take another look at legalizing slot machines at the state’s race tracks.

According to a story in the Attleboro Sun Chronicle, Plainridge President Gary Piontkowski has scheduled a public meeting on “racinos” at his track at 4:00 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 25, and has invited local legislators to attend.

Piontkowski told the paper that the slots could provide the state, along with cities and towns, much needed income at a time when tax revenue is sinking rapidly. He added that the state could realize hundreds of millions of dollars from slot machines.

Last year, the Massachusetts House rejected Gov. Deval Patrick’s proposal to legalize casinos and did not consider slot machines at race tracks.

State Rep. Richard Ross, R-Wrentham, and State Sen. Scott Brown, R-Wrentham, are both strong supporters of slot machines, saying they would help the local economy. Plainridge is in their districts.

Ross told the paper that new gambling legislation has been filed for this session by a number of lawmakers.