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Plain Ridge Park expansion bill draws regional support as lawmakers cite jobs, tax revenue
Summary
Supporters of H.496 told the Joint Committee on Economic Development the bill would allow Plain Ridge Park Casino to add live table games to protect regional jobs, local host‑community funding and tax revenue from competition in neighboring Rhode Island.
State Representative Jeffrey Roy told the committee that H.496 would authorize — but not mandate — the Massachusetts Gaming Commission to permit Plain Ridge Park in Plainville to add up to 30 live table games, arguing the change is a modest, targeted way to protect local jobs and tax revenue.
"For the protection of jobs, local businesses, and tax revenue, that Plain Ridge Park generates, I urge you to approve the modest changes contained in H.496," Rep. Roy said.
Sen. Chip Feeney, Rep. Vaughn and multiple Plainville officials and regional business leaders elaborated on the bill’s local economic case. Town Administrator Brian Noble said Plain Ridge has funded municipal projects including a new public safety and town‑hall complex and open‑space acquisitions through host‑community agreements.
"Such an amendment would protect hundreds of Massachusetts jobs, preserve tens of millions of dollars annually in state and local revenue, and level the playing field with other regional gaming markets," Noble told the committee.
Representatives of organized labor and local chambers of commerce also testified in favor of H.496, saying the expansion would create direct jobs (dealers and hospitality staff) and preserve existing union positions at the facility. The Machinists and hospitality unions warned that if Plain Ridge cannot remain competitive, staff hours and jobs at the property could be cut.
Opponents of broader gaming expansion did not focus their remarks on H.496 specifically at this hearing; rather, the committee heard a separate, large panel of witnesses debating internet gaming and sports‑betting regulations. No committee vote was recorded on H.496 during this session.
The committee will consider written testimony submitted through the online portal; chair Rep. Carol Faiola reminded attendees that written testimony would be accepted through Thursday, Nov. 20 at 5 p.m.
Next steps: the bill remains before the committee for further consideration and the sponsors asked for a favorable report so the legislature can weigh amendments and oversight details.
