Boston Clergy Protest Suffolk Downs Casino Plan

Over 30 religious leaders from a mixture of faiths have joined together to form a group to fight the proposed casino at Suffolk Downs racetrack in East Boston.

The group has called itself “The Friends of East Boston” and comprises of clergy, business people and members of other non-profit groups who have been meeting over the summer to form strategies to defeat the proposed casino.

Rev. Thomas Domurat of the Most Holy Redeemer Catholic Church said, “A casino in East Boston is probably one of the worst things that could happen to our community.” He predicts that it would result in increased gambling addiction, personal bankruptcies and traffic.
The project goes before East Boston voters in November and in the meantime the clergy are determined to pray, preach and canvass against it.

The group has not raised, nor does it expect to, much cash in its campaign. However, it plans to tirelessly campaign with the message that “East Boston can do better”. It hopes to collect over 5,000 signatures on a petition asking Suffolk Downs to voluntarily withdraw its casino proposal.

The racetrack along with partner Caesars Entertainment has planned a $1 billion gambling resort including hotels, shopping, restaurants and a spa.