Foxborough Selectmen to Discuss "Gaming"

Tuesday night's Board of Selectmen meeting in Foxborough will feature only one agenda item - "gaming."

Town Manager Kevin Paicos, may propose making a zoning change at the meeting that could pave the way for a casino in town, the Boston Herald is reporting. 

A gambling bill, unveiled in late August, calls for a three-casino proposal in Massachusetts. For years, supporters of Casino gambling have been trying to make it legal in Massachusetts, a move that could result in 16,000 new jobs, NECN reports.

The bill would license three resort style casinos in three regions of Massachusetts and one slot machine only facility to be bid on competitively. According to the Boston Herald, the three areas under consideration for a gambling casino would include western Massachusetts, Greater Boston, where Foxborough is being included, and one in Southeastern Massachusetts. 

With Massachusetts legislators discussing the bill, Paicos has proposed changing Foxboro's zoning bylaw, a change that would keep Foxborough in the mix for further statewide gambling discussions and that would permit a casino in the Route 1 area.

A special permit and Town Meeting approval would be required for a gambling facility to proceed in town.

The issue of "gaming" will be discussed from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. in the Andrew Gala Room at town hall Tuesday, September 6.