Another Massachusetts Track Closes Its Doors

Another racetrack in Massachusetts has closed its doors and laid off employees, after lawmakers refused to give in to the Governor’s demands over slot machines.

State lawmakers had worked for months to reach a compromise over an expanded gambling bill that would allow three destination casinos and slot machines at the four racetracks that since 2008 have only been able to offer simulcast races, however the Governor did not support slot machines and refused to sign the bill.

Legislatures will not be able to take up the bill again until the formal session starts again next year, but did not waste any time pointing the finger at Governor Deval Patrick who in returned blamed them for not submitting a bill in accordance with his ideas.

After 75 years of operations Wonderland Park decided that they were unable to stay in business any longer and 85 employees lost their jobs.

The track has struggled for years since the state voted to ban live dog racing and was only making ends meet loosely due to an extension of simulcasting rights and a mortgage subsidy from Suffolk Downs, who is considering its options in the space.