Massachusetts historical horse racing plan draws opposition from casinos and Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe

A proposal to bring historical horse racing devices to Massachusetts racetracks is generating growing opposition from existing gambling stakeholders. In July, the Massachusetts House approved historical horse racing licenses for Suffolk Downs and Raynham Park, and state lawmakers must now weigh whether the trade-offs are acceptable.

The machines look like classic slot machines, but instead of a random number generator they draw their outcomes from previously run horse races. According to the source, the races are anonymized and players wager into pari-mutuel pools, which is why supporters describe the product as a form of horse racing rather than casino gambling.

Developer Richard Fields, who has spent years working to redevelop Suffolk Downs, backs the legislation. In an interview with the Boston Globe, he said the expansion would create 1,200 new jobs and unlock hundreds of millions of dollars in construction and renovation investment. Proponents also say it would contribute more than $100 million a year to the state's Health Safety Net Trust Fund, which supports affordable healthcare for people in need.

Opponents include the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe. Chairman Brian Weeden argued that the terminals are nearly the same as slot machines and that the House plan threatens tribal sovereignty and sidesteps existing gambling laws. He called on lawmakers to reject the measure and to ensure fair treatment of stakeholders. In his words, the Commonwealth is considering a proposal that would dramatically expand gaming without the protections and oversight that apply to everyone else.

The state's three regulated gambling venues, Encore Boston Harbor, MGM Springfield and Plainridge Park Casino, have also come out against the measure. They say the limited-license model is essential for accountability and efficient capital investment, and note that historical horse racing operates under a completely different framework. Critics add that further expansion could dilute the player base and may not deliver the promised value.

The lack of consultation with tribes and established betting operators has added to the friction. With sports betting and online lottery already competing with traditional venues, industry stakeholders fear that the business model they built their investments on is being eroded.