1. Performing Arts Centers

Casino entertainment venues will be in direct competition for performers and Broadway shows, undercutting Boston’s existing performing arts centers through free or cheap tickets, paying performers more than their standard fee and then enforcing “exclusivity” contracts for up to three years.

2. Historic and Cultural Museums

Museums in other states have seen attendance drop precipitously in spite of casino legislation requirements for cross marketing. Most non-profit cultural organizations earn 50-60% of their annual budgets through earned revenue, primarily admission fees. A drop in attendance threatens the financial stability of these organizations.

• In Michigan, tourists were pulled away from cultural destinations by tour operators who found runs to casinos more lucrative.

• Mystic Seaport visitation has fallen by 50% since the arrival of the casinos.

3. Boston’s Neighborhoods

Non-profit cultural organizations support neighborhood jobs, serving as anchors for many Boston neighborhoods. Visitors drawn to these cultural destinations are the customers who support restaurants, hotels and retail stores.

4. Boston’s Children 

Non-profit cultural organization in the city offer free or subsidized educational programs for the youth of Boston. When the casinos undercut performing arts revenue and deplete cultural attendance, non-profit cultural organizations will be forced to reduce services to the city, the neighborhoods and our children – or send their children to the casinos to experience cultural offerings.

5. Diminishing the Brand

Massachusetts is known worldwide for history and culture. Visitors don’t come here for the weather—they come for the arts and history. Boston’s range of attractions—museums, historic sites, and the art—has made tourism the third largest industry in Massachusetts. Marketing the state as a gambling destination diminishes the value of the existing brand of arts and culture, which has taken decades to establish.