Casino, Racetrack Development Proposed for Southeastern Massachusetts

A casino or a racetrack would be notable in this part of Massachusetts, but this development is proposing both.

1 minute read

August 21, 2019, 7:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Massachusetts Thoroughbred Racing

Suffolk Downs in Boston held its last thoroughbred race in June 2019. | Keith J Finks / Shutterstock

Jon Chesto reports on plans by a Quincy-based developer "to build a new horse track along with a hotel and entertainment complex with slot machines" in the city of Wareham, located just West of Cape Cod.

"Many of the details for Wareham Park remain unclear. But one source familiar with O’Connell’s plans says the Notos Group, the firm created for this development, would invest $300 million in the project, at a 275-acre parcel on Glen Charlie Road just north of Route 25," according to Chesto.

The development is notable for several  reasons, according to Chesto. First of all, the thoroughbred racing industry is waning. Racing ended in Massachusetts this summer, when Suffolks Down closed its doors after 84 years of races, to make way for a master-planned, mixed-use development.

Secondly, Southeastern Massachusetts is the only corner of the state that hasn't added a casino since the state legalized gambling in 2011. The developers will have to invest $500 million to convince state lawmakers to approve the plan.

Monday, August 19, 2019 in The Boston Globe

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