Loveman supports Massachusetts casinos

"In a wide-ranging interview with the Herald, Loveman took aim at arguments put forth by Bay State casino opponents, contending they rely more on emotional appeals than economic facts.

"And Loveman praised Gov. Deval Patrick's recently released casino proposal, calling it a well-crafted plan that is likely to draw significant interest from gaming companies. Loveman predicts gaming companies will be willing to invest billions in order to develop resort casinos in Massachusetts, considered one of the nation's richest untapped casino markets.

"But Loveman, a former Harvard Business School professsor and respected economist, reserved his strongest remarks for the state of the casino debate in Massachusetts.

"...Loveman's push comes even as prominent local gambling foes warn that legalizing casinos will dramatically alter the state's landscape. House Speaker Sal DiMasi (D-North End), who has all but vowed to block gambling legislation this year, has warned about the potential for a "casino culture" in Massachusetts.

"But Loveman - who lives in a Boston suburb while also directing a casino empire based in Las Vegas - argues there is little evidence for the idea that expanded gambling will hurt the character of any state or city.

"California has dozens of casinos, but the state's identity has not been transformed by gambling. Nor is Connecticut known as the 'casino state,' even though it now has two of the world's largest casinos, Loveman contends..."