Massachusetts casinos will be monitored by new policing units

Now that the casino legislation has passed through the State House and the Governor signed it, it's time for implementation...and there's lots of details to get right from the beginning.

The law also requires the state police to set up their own gaming enforcement unit. The as-yet-unnamed five-member Massachusetts Gaming Commission will help coordinate the policing units. The commission will have its own investigation and enforcement bureau with the power to issue subpoenas and refer cases for civil or criminal prosecution.

An anti-casino group led by former Massachusetts Attorney General Scott Harshbarger has argued for even stronger centralized control, saying the fracturing of law enforcement oversight among multiple agencies creates a potential logistical and communications nightmare.

One of the more challenging tasks created by the casino law is enforcement of the state's liquor laws, in part because casinos will be able to serve free drinks on the gaming floors. No other business in the state is allowed to so serve free alcoholic drinks.  [Mass live.com]