Mass. isn't alone

USATODAY’s Dennis Cauchon takes a country-wide look at expanded gambling efforts. It’s not just Massachusetts, though he’s got us in there, too, complete with UMass Dartmouth prof Clyde Barrow in the mix for a quote:

Also driving growth: States are loosening restrictions about where casinos can locate and how they can do business. The days of casinos being located outside of major cities — tourist destinations, often in economically distressed towns — are coming to an end.

The Illinois Legislature is considering authorizing a casino in Chicago. Pennsylvania has approved two casinos in downtown Philadelphia and one in downtown Pittsburgh, next to the Steelers’ football stadium. “Our customer base will be people who live there and who want gaming nearby,” says Kirk Saylor of Majestic Star, the Pittsburgh casino’s developer.