Roman Catholic Bishops Support Casino Law Repeal

Roman Catholic leaders in Massachusetts are urging residents to vote in favor of November's ballot question to repeal the state's casino law.

Boston Cardinal Sean O'Malley, Worcester Bishop Robert McManus, Springfield Bishop Mitchell Rozanski and Rev. George Coleman, the Apostolic Administrator of Fall River, say the gambling industry threatens local businesses, ``weakens the moral fabric of society'' and ``fundamentally alters communities.''

The bishops say the Massachusetts' economy has improved markedly since the casino law passed in 2011. They note that other Northeast states have seen casino gambling revenues decline and that five casinos in Atlantic City, New Jersey could close by the end of the year.

The bishops are also concerned the facilities will depend largely on gambling addicts, many of whom are already among the poorest in the community.