Keno raises concerns

"'There's nothing really legally wrong with what they are doing,' said Lindsay, who is chairman of the town's Advisory Committee. 'I think it's unfortunate because some people get addicted. It seems ironic that you sort of hook lower-income people, and you use the lottery proceeds for upper-income people.'

"Lindsay aired his concerns recently to the Board of Selectmen, which was debating whether to allow Keno in a local family-style restaurant, the Bolton Road house Bar & Grill. Late last month, the board voted not to oppose the restaurant in its bid to bring the first Keno operation to town. Keno is a form of gambling that allows players to randomly select numbers and win money if their numbers match a remote casino's drawing, which is televised at the location.

"Panny Gerken, chairwoman of the selectmen, said she has respect for Lindsay's concerns, but she said Keno is scarcely different than selling lottery tickets, which is already being done in the Country Cupboard convenience store in town.

"...David Rosenfeld, director of communications at the state Lottery Commission, said research demonstrates that Keno and lottery players cut across all socioeconomic groups..."