The cards are still on the table for people on both sides of the casino issue. Supporters and opponents will have a chance to weigh-in during a public hearing at the State House.

When there is talk about legalizing gambling and opening a casino in Massachusetts, do not expect anyone on either side of the issue to fold.

"With demand for new revenue, the only alternative that seems to be on the table is casino gambling," Rep. Thomas Petrolati of Ludlow said.

"Looking for a quick fix, which in the long run will be an economic drain," Monson native Kathleen Norbut said. She is the president of United to Stop Slots in Massachusetts.

Mohegan Sun already purchased property off the Massachusetts Turnpike in Palmer, with plans to build a one billion dollar resort casino. First lawmakers have to legalize it. They are expected to hold their first public hearing this session about casino gambling on Thursday in Boston. Everyone is preparing, including Norbut.

"It is a predatory business. They depend upon extracting money from gambling addicts," Norbut said.

Norbut said job creation and economic development have been wildly inflated by the casino industry.

"Foxwoods, large casinos, Swift River go into bankruptcy, we know this is not a business that it promises to be," she said.

However, the possibility of new revenue is exactly what moved Petrolati to change his opinion.

"I previously voted against casino gambling on three occasions. I am now extremely open to it, based on the economic need for this commonwealth to find a new revenue source," Petrolati said. "When you are looking at an additional $600 million coming from 9C cuts the Governor is proposing, on top of the fact that we have just cut a billion dollars in last years fiscal budget, I see no other alternative at this juncture."