The gambling life here in the Bay State

From the Boston Globe "Groups mobilize against casinos": "Gambling opponents are emerging from months of relative inactivity and mobilizing against Governor Deval Patrick's casino plan, hoping to capitalize on a tepid effort by the governor to secure its passage." The groups have organized under an umbrella group called Casino Free Mass.

And in other gaming news: "Massachusetts state lottery hopes to pay winnings to ex-convict."

Elliott, 55, is a two-time convicted bank robber who was accused last month of violating the terms of his probation when he bought a $10 scratch ticket and won $1 million.

"We would like to see him get his money," Dan Rosenfeld, a spokesman for the lottery, said yesterday. "What we are talking about is the integrity of the game. He played the game. He won the game. The integrity of the game is very important to us. That's our business."

Yes, we wouldn't want to sully the reputation of the lottery or casinos. It's all wholesome fun whether you're a slot jockey or an ex-convict.