Harvard's state senator, Jamie Eldridge (D-Acton), voted last Thursday against legislation to expand gambling by authorizing three casinos and one slot parlor in Massachusetts. Eldridge was joined by 13 other state senators in opposing the bill, which passed 24-14.

"I strongly believe expanding gambling in Massachusetts will harm our local small businesses and our communities, and that's why I voted no," Eldridge said in a statement released Friday. "We need revenues and jobs here in Massachusetts, but casinos aren't the answer. There are better ways, less destructive ways, to solve our fiscal problems and make the Commonwealth a better place to live."

Eldridge, a long-time opponent of expanded gambling, said that numerous studies show the negative effects local communities and businesses experience when casinos are built.

"When consumers spend more on casinos and less locally on clothing, sporting events, electronics, meals out, or tickets to a show, small businesses suffer and jobs are cut," Eldridge said in the statement. "People only have so much discretionary income. I am deeply concerned about the effect that sucking billions of dollars out of the local economy, and sending it out-of-state to wealthy casino developers, will have on our communities."

The bill now moves to a conference committee to resolve differences between the House and Senate. It's expected the bill will be signed into law by the Governor by the end of the year.