Worcester Council Meets for 41 Items after 5 Weeks Off

This Tuesday we get a city council meeting!! Woooot! We have not seen our 11-member governing body since five weeks ago, on July 15.

There are 41 items on the Aug. 19 agenda. I’ll report back later in the week with what happens with interesting orders.

You can review the full agenda as well.

This agenda, right before the preliminary election, is chock-full of orders and items. If you look at them closely, you can see some councilors are making requests they can point to on the campaign trail, while some are not.

9e:

Petition of Councilor Khrystian E. King and Councilor Etel Haxhiaj on behalf of the Worcester Black History Project, request Winfield St. from Park Ave. to Mason St. be given the Honorary Street Name designation of Bethany Veney Way.

Once a slave in Virginia and freed in Providence, Veney moved to Worcester in 1960 and eventually bought a home at 21 Winfield St. She also bought other homes in the area for family she helped move to Worcester.

In 1889, “Narrative of Bethany Veney, a Slave Woman,” was published. The book describes her life as an enslaved child and woman, and her fight for freedom.

Veney lived the rest of her life in Worcester and is buried at Hope Cemetary.

The city council should unanimously support this order.

Petitions

There are a ton of petitions. While some will require a roll-call vote, we won’t hear from every councilor on each. There are a few petitions brought to the council by people with names you know.

12.1a

The appointment of one Shepard Allen to the Trust Funds Commission is very interesting. Mr. Allen works at Bartlett Wealth Management. It is a very specific job, in a very specific industry. He definitely comes from a background of managing things like this. I think we should all watch this one. Just a feeling.

You should start reviewing all the City Manager’s appointments that are made without needing the City Council’s approval. It is important to know who our current leader thinks should be in on oversight of things.

13a and 13b:

Chairman’s Order from the Committee on Economic Development – Request City Manager provide City Council with an update relative to three (3) previously requested Chairman’s Orders relative to 1) the creation of a task force to explore the feasibility of drafting an ordinance for residents to keep and raise chickens; 2) the processes used by other municipalities who allow for residents to keep and raise chickens; and 3) any challenges faced by other municipalities who allow for residents to keep and raise chickens.

Chickens are now, finally, going to the City Manager. As I’ve written before, if Boston can do it, so can we. The council has kicked this item around so much it’s silly.

The ordinance in Boston is one paragraph. It makes no sense to create a task force. I intend to say so in-person on Tuesday.

There are also a ton of zoning changes related to school and handicapped spaces. This has been an ongoing conversation, and I assume it will just be a voice vote, but maybe they’ll pull a few out individually for discussion.

This is the last meeting before the preliminary election on Sept. 2nd! I hope you have registered to vote already!

I’ll have a recap of the meeting later this week.

Three Women Slashed with Box Cutter at Bar in Worcester

WORCESTER – An assault at a local bar led to three women seeking treatment at a local hospital, with one admitted to intensive care early Sunday morning, Aug. 10.

Police responded to a report of an assault with a dangerous weapon at Creed Lounge, at 41 Pleasant St., at around 2:20 AM. Two 20-year-old women and a 21-year-old woman left the scene to seek treatment for multiple wounds at a local hospital. The incident remains under investigation by the Worcester Police Department Detective Bureau.

This Week in Worcester spoke with immediate family members of two of the victims. Both spoke on condition of anonymity to preserve their privacy.

According to both family members, four women were involved in an altercation outside the venue that did not involve the three victims. The altercation escalated into a large fight, during which the three victims sustained injuries caused by box cutters.

Both family members said that first responders did not arrive at the scene during the incident. The four women, three armed with box cutters who allegedly caused the injuries, fled the scene. All three victims travelled to a local hospital through a ride from a friend.

Two videos provided to This Week in Worcester show the aftermath of a bloody attack. Both are presented below, one after the other. The footage shows a significant amount of blood. Viewer discretion is advised. (Disable adblockers if the video does not appear).

One victim sustained damage to an artery in her leg and spent several hours in intensive care. She was released from the hospital on Wednesday.

All three women are expected to make a full recovery.

Creed Lounge advertises itself as admitting only those 21 years old or older. On February 6, 2024, the Massachusetts Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission ruled that the venue was responsible for nine counts of permitting the possession of an alcoholic beverage by a person under 21 years of age. The commission suspended Creed Lounge’s license to serve alcohol for five days, from December 16 to December 20, 2024.

The family members of the victims shared images with This Week in Worcester showing some injuries the women sustained.

What’s the Difference Between Inbound and Outbound Sales?

In today’s competitive marketplace, sales teams have more tools, tactics, and technology at their disposal than ever before. But the foundation of most sales strategies still comes down to two core approaches: inbound and outbound sales. According to HubSpot, 93% of B2B buying journeys begin with an online search, highlighting the importance of inbound efforts, while research from the RAIN Group shows that 82% of buyers accept meetings with sales reps who proactively reach out — reinforcing the value of outbound strategies.

The key is knowing when and how to use each method to drive results. In this guide, we’ll break down the difference between inbound and outbound sales, explore their benefits and challenges, and provide actionable strategies for implementing both.

Understanding Inbound Sales

Inbound sales occur when prospects initiate contact with your business. These leads often find you through channels like search engines, social media, referrals, or engaging content. Because the prospect is already showing interest, inbound leads tend to be warmer and more informed than those from outbound efforts.

Key Characteristics of Inbound Sales

• Customer-Initiated: The buyer starts the conversation. 
• Content-Driven: Attracts leads through value-added resources like blog posts, webinars, and videos. 
• Consultative Approach: The sales rep acts as an advisor, guiding prospects toward a solution. 
• Data-Backed: Relies heavily on analytics to understand buyer behavior and improve targeting. 

Benefits of Inbound Sales

1. Higher-Quality Leads: Prospects are already interested in your product or service. 
2. Cost-Effective: Generally less expensive than outbound since you’re not paying for extensive cold outreach campaigns. 
3. Scalable: Content and SEO efforts can generate leads long after they’re created. 
4. Builds Trust and Authority: Positions your brand as a knowledgeable industry leader. 

Challenges of Inbound Sales

• Requires significant upfront investment in content creation. 
• Results take time to materialize. 
• May be less effective for high-ticket, complex B2B offerings. 

Proven Inbound Strategies

1. Content Marketing: Publish articles, videos, and case studies that address buyer pain points. 
2. Search Engine Optimization (SEO): Optimize your website and content for targeted keywords. 
3. Lead Magnets: Offer downloadable resources like e-books or whitepapers in exchange for contact information. 
4. Marketing Automation: Use tools to nurture leads with personalized email sequences. 

Understanding Outbound Sales

Outbound sales are driven by sales reps proactively reaching out to potential customers. The prospects may not know your brand or have expressed prior interest, making this a more direct and targeted approach.

Key Characteristics of Outbound Sales

• Rep-Initiated: The salesperson makes the first move. 
• Targeted Outreach: Uses cold calls, cold emails, trade shows, and digital ads. 
• Relationship-Focused: Relies on direct engagement to build trust. 
• Proactive Pitching: Sales reps explain the value proposition early in the process. 

Benefits of Outbound Sales

1. Faster Results: Can generate leads and close deals more quickly than inbound. 
2. Precise Targeting: Focuses on high-value prospects that match your Ideal Customer Profile (ICP). 
3. Scalable and Controllable: Outreach volume can be increased to meet demand. 
4. Valuable Feedback: Direct conversations reveal insights into customer needs. 

Challenges of Outbound Sales

• Can be perceived as intrusive if not executed well. 
• Requires skilled sales reps and disciplined follow-up. 
• Often more expensive due to labor and tools. 

Proven Outbound Strategies

1. Cold Calling: Personal, immediate, and allows for real-time interaction. 
2. Cold Emailing: Scalable and measurable; great for multi-touch campaigns. 
3. Trade Shows and Events: Ideal for niche markets and face-to-face relationship building. 
4. Targeted Digital Ads: Platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook allow precise demographic targeting. 
5. Strong Value Proposition: Clearly communicate how your product solves specific problems. 

Comparing Inbound and Outbound Sales

When to Use Inbound Sales

Inbound sales is ideal when:

• You have limited capital for a large outbound sales team. 
• Your product is frequently searched online. 
• Your customers prefer self-education before purchase. 
• You can commit to long-term content creation. 

When to Use Outbound Sales

Outbound sales are ideal when:

• Your product is expensive or highly specialized. 
• You’re introducing a new or unknown solution. 
• Your sales cycle is long and requires personal follow-up. 
• You have a clearly defined target audience. 

Combining Inbound and Outbound for Maximum Impact

The most successful sales organizations don’t choose between inbound and outbound — they integrate both. For example:

• Inbound attracts warm leads through content, SEO, and social media. 
• Outbound targets high-value accounts through personalized outreach. 

This hybrid approach ensures you’re reaching potential customers at every stage of the buying journey while maintaining a steady flow of opportunities.

Final Thoughts

The difference between inbound and outbound sales lies in who initiates the first contact and how prospects are nurtured through the buying process. Inbound sales excel at building long-term relationships and trust, while outbound sales provide the speed and precision to target high-value opportunities.

By understanding the strengths and limitations of each approach, you can design a sales strategy that maximizes conversions, builds loyalty, and drives sustainable growth. And in many cases, a strategic combination of both will deliver the best results.

Worcester Animal Control Officer Matthew Ohman Dead at 41

WORCESTER – The Worcester Police Department announced the death of 12-year Animal Control Officer Matthew Ohman, 41, of Millbury. He leaves behind a wife and two children.

Ohman died suddenly on Sunday, Aug. 10, after winning a competitive basketball game with his family, according to an obituary announcing his death.

Ohman was born in Worcester and raised in Grafton, where he graduated from Grafton High School after twice winning the MVP of the school’s hockey team. He also attended Quinsigamond Community College, where he pitched for the baseball team there for a year.

After his schooling, Ohman joined the Worcester Police Department, as his grandfather had done before him.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to:

The Ohman Children’s Scholarship Fund
c/o Worcester Police Department Federal Credit Union
805 W Boylston St.
Worcester MA, 01606

The sudden passing of Animal Control Officer Matthew Ohman is a terrible loss for the City. It is extremely difficult to grieve someone so young, and my thoughts are with his wife Krystina and children Landon and Riley. His legacy and years of service will always be remembered.

— CM-Batista (@CM_Batista) August 14, 2025

Images courtesy of the Worcester Police Department

DPH Warns of Dangerous Bacteria in Mass. Coastal Waters

BOSTON – The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) issued an alert on Wednesday, Aug. 15, warning residents and visitors of the potential danger of Vibrio bacteria after the identification of a rare case of human infection.

According to the DPH, a Massachusetts resident likely contracted the Vibrio vulnificus infection in coastal waters at a beach in Buzzards Bay.

Between 2015 and 2025, DPH detected an average of 88 cases per year, with a high of 127 in 2024 and a low of  62 in 2020. However, most of those infections resulted from consuming shellfish, especially raw oysters. Infection may also occur through exposure via an open wound.

In 2025, DPH reports 71 confirmed and probable cases detected so far.

Infections are more common along the Gulf Coast. Both Louisiana and Florida have reported unusually large numbers of cases this year.

“Vibrio bacteria normally live in warm, salt or brackish waters along the Atlantic coast,” said Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein, MD, PhD. “Heat waves and above-average water surface temperatures create favorable conditions for Vibrio bacteria to grow, making May through October generally the peak season for these bacteria.”

Infection can occur in anyone exposed to the bacteria. Those with liver disease, cancer, diabetes, HIV, thalassemia, or those receiving immunosuppressive therapy are at greater risk of severe disease.

Tips to Prevent Infection

To prevent Vibrio wound infections:

• If you have an open wound (including from a recent surgery, piercing, or tattoo), cut, or scrape: cover your wound with a waterproof bandage or stay out of coastal waters when engaging in activities such as wading, swimming, and fishing.
• Wounds should also be covered when handling raw seafood, its drippings, or its juices.
• Immediately wash wounds and cuts thoroughly with soap and clean running water after contact with coastal waters.
• If you are at increased risk for infection, wear clothes and shoes that protect you from cuts and scrapes when in coastal waters.
• People with wounds, whether covered or not, should avoid handling raw seafood, its drippings, or its juices.

Individuals with an open wound already exposed to coastal waters should monitor for symptoms of infection for seven days. Those symptoms include fever, chills, dangerously low blood pressure, blistering skin lesions or any redness, pain, swelling, warmth, discoloration, or discharge at the site of the wound.

Vibrio bacteria infections can also occur through eating raw or undercooked seafood, particularly oysters. The infection can cause gastrointestinal (GI) illness. Individuals taking medication designed to decrease stomach acid levels or recently had stomach surgery are at increased risk.

To prevent GI illness from Vibrio bacteria:

• People handling raw seafood, its drippings, or its juices should immediately wash their hands afterwards to avoid cross-contamination of other foods or food contact surfaces.
• Use caution when deciding whether to consume raw or undercooked seafood, such as oysters, if you are at increased risk of infection and severe illness. Instead, thoroughly cook seafood to kill any Vibrio bacteria that may be present before consuming.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides additional information.

Report on St. Vincent Hospital Validates Nurses’ Patient Safety Concerns

WORCESTER –  A former nurse at Saint Vincent’s Hospital, Carla LeBlanc, filed a lawsuit which alleges that Saint Vincent Hospital and its parent company, Tenet Healthcare, violated her rights under the Massachusetts Healthcare Whistleblower law. The company fired LeBlanc after her appearance on a podcast where she discussed how management decisions put the wellness and lives of patients at the hospital at risk.

LeBlanc is a member of the Massachusetts Nurses Association (MNA), the labor union that represents nurses and others working at St. Vincent Hospital. MNA has long criticized hospital management for understaffing and unsafe conditions inside the hospital.

MNA nurses launched a strike on March 8, 2021, that ended 301 days later, on Jan. 3, 2022. Understaffing and patient safety concerns were the most prominent issues raised during the work stoppage.

The contract agreed to by the nurses and the hospital set some staffing criteria, but MNA says the hospital has not met that commitment.

In February, LeBlanc appeared on the Outdoor Cats podcast hosted by local journalist Bill Shaner. In it, Leblanc made several statements about the danger to patient safety inside Saint Vincent Hospital. and said that she “learned over the last few years that I can never be confident that this company is going to do the right thing.”

Months later, the hospital referenced those statements as its rationale for firing LeBlanc.

Some of the nurses’ long-standing criticism of the hospital has received validation by investigating agencies.

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health investigated the hospital on Feb. 12 with the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. It issued a lengthy report to the hospital on Feb. 20.

That report said, in part, that the hospital did not meet the standard for an “effective, ongoing, hospital-wide, data-driven quality assessment and performance improvement program.” It also said, “the Hospital failed to ensure adequate nursing staff were available for the care of all patients in the hospital, affecting the care of five sampled Patients.”

Another part of the report said that within one inpatient unit, the surveyor observed 10 beds in need of repair. In a telemetry unit, “the surveyor observed supplies such as aquacell (dressing
used for wounds), adaptic (dressing materials), wound gel, and kerlex for wrapping wound dressings were not available in the clean supply room on the unit.”

The report also shows that investigators reviewed several hospital policies and patient records, finding issues with many, including patients transported without being accompanied by a nurse amd treatments ordered by doctors not provided in a timely manner.

A MNA nurse sent a letter on May 11 to the complaint unit of the Division of Healthcare Facility Licensure and Certification s, a division of the Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services. In it, she said since the investigation in February, “in many or most cases, St. Vincent Hospital management has not effectuated the corrective action submitted to state/ federal regulatory agencies, ” as part of the hospital’s Plan of Correction.

Guide to Betting on the Premier League 2025

It’s almost time… and it’s all looking set to be a better season than ever. The Premier League is, without a doubt, the most-watched and most-bet-on football league in the world… with millions of wagers placed every season all over the world, and this year will be no different. 

As we get ready for 2025, the excitement is palpable – Crystal Palace just shocked Liverpool in the Community Shield, Chelsea has been on top form, winning the Club World Cup – and there’s definitely no one standout team this time. Get ready for the most thrilling title race, top-four battles, and relegation scraps – all looking likely to be some of the most tightly contested ever. 

Whether you’re experienced in betting on the EPL or you’re someone who’s just looking to understand the basics, that’s what we’re here for. If you’re looking for competitive markets and up-to-date prices, why not check out Boylesports Premier League odds… ready and waiting for the action to start. 

Here, we’re going to look at all the main betting markets, come top tips, and important factors you need to think about before placing those bets on the 2025 Premier League season.

The Main Premier League Betting Markets

While football betting always offers a huge selection of options, because the Premier League is so popular, you can expect a massive variety of markets. Here are some of the most common types you might want to try out:

Match Result – 1X2

This is the most popular and straightforward market of all… simply betting on the home win, draw, or away win. Depending on when you place the bet, the odds can fluctuate a lot, based on factors like current team form, injuries, and how the public is betting.

Both Teams to Score – BTTS

One of the most popular Premier League bets is the BTTS – and it’s simply betting on whether you think both teams will score in the match. It’s great when used in combination with other markets like match results, for more win potential.

Over/Under Goals

Here, you try to predict whether you think the total number of goals in a game will be over or under the number set by the bookie (usually 2.5). In the Premier League, if you do your research and know the teams’ attacking styles and defensive frailties, it can be a great option.

Outright Winner

This involves betting on who you think will win the league… either before the season starts, mid-season or even later on. It can be great value if you can spot a top contender early on… especially if it’s an underdog team.

Top Goalscorer

The race for the Golden Boot can be just as exciting as the race for the league winner. You need to think about factors such as playing time, team tactics, and penalties when trying to predict the player you think will get the win.

Relegation

Not the most pleasant of markets, but you can also bet on a team to be relegated. It’s a good option if you can see that a newly promoted club is struggling or there are teams that are having issues with squad depth and injuries, etc.

What You Need to Consider Before Betting

Form and Momentum

The Premier League can be unpredictable… but current form will always be the main thing you need to look at. A team that’s on a winning streak will go into a game with confidence that can tip the game in their favour.

Injuries/Suspensions

If their star striker, defender or number one goalkeeper is out, it can have a massive impact on the team’s chance of winning, so check team news before placing your bets.

Head-to-Head Records

Some teams always do better against certain opponents. For example, a mid-table side could actually have a good record against a big team because of their playing style.

Fixtures

The top teams – the clubs involved in European competitions or domestic cup runs will usually rotate their squads and have to rest top players, which will have an impact on their Premier League games.

Top Strategies for Premier League Betting

Value Betting

Only place bets if you think the odds underestimate a team’s real chances. However, it does mean detailed research and the discipline to only bet if you think there’s genuine value to be had.

In-Play Betting

With live betting, you can place your bets whilst the game’s in play. Watching the game and seeing how it’s going can give you an advantage.

Accas

This involves making a number of bets and combining them into one big bet for a bigger potential payout. Be careful, though – the more selections you make, the higher the risk. It’s good for a smaller stakes bet.

Manage Your Betting Bankroll

Having control over your bankroll is the most important part of betting, whether it’s on the EPL or any other sport. That’s why you need to set yourself a budget for the season and stick to it… and avoid the temptation to chase losses. Experienced bettors often tend to stake a small, consistent percentage of their bankroll (around 5%) to stay in the game for longer.

And Remember…Gamble Responsibly

Finally, remember that all the excitement of Premier League betting should never come at the expense of your financial stability or mental and financial well-being. Only bet what you can afford to lose and if it starts to get too much, take a break. Always have fun!

Image Credit: “Premier League” by Lee Davy is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Worcester Schools to Complete Multiple Site Upgrades this Summer

WORCESTER –  Worcester Public Schools (WPS) announced on Tuesday, Aug. 12, that its facilities department completed several facility improvement projects undertaken over the summer school break at four schools, as well as a district-wide upgrade project focussed on accessibility improvements.

“These projects aim to improve the day-to-day operations of our buildings by enhancing accessibility, safety, insulation, and overall learning conditions for students and staff,” said Superintendent Brian Allen. “Investing in these upgrades ensures our schools remain safe and functional places where students can focus on learning.”

At Worcester East Middle School, at 420 Grafton St., a Improving Ventilation and Air Quality Grant from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) combined with WPD funds enabled a project replacing 375 inoperable, outdated windows, installing new roller shades, and updates to exterior doors. The work also required the abatement of hazardous materials. WPS expects workers to complete the first phase of this two-year project before the end of summer.

At Roosevelt Elementary School, at 1006 Grafton St., WPS expects work completed in August for improvements to parking and student drop-off and pickup. The project added over 40 parking spaces and new lanes for both buses and parents or others transporting students to the school. The project also implemented Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant sidewalks, added crosswalks, and improved lighting and landscaping. WPD funds funded the project along with a $1 million grant from U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Repairs of the parking garage at Worcester Technical High School required concrete repair, sealant replacement, rebar repair and drainage updates. WPS expects this project, which cost over  $500,000, completed before the next school year begins.

Those who visit the Fanning Building at 24 Chatham St., will find work done to the exterior gym ramps and doors. The project included adding an ADA-compliant ramp with railings, new insulated doors, and security hardware. It also added new exit signage and LED lighting.

WPS also has a $10 million project for ADA accessibility improvements at multiple facilities, including Thorndyke Road School, at 30 Thorndyke Rd., Lincoln Street School, at 549 Lincoln St., the Gerald Creamer Center, at 120 Granite St., and the Challenge and Reach Academy, at 15 Harlow St.  The Thorndyke and Lincoln Street Schools will also get new elevators, restroom renovations, hardware upgrades, and family firer safety improvements.  The district expects the smaller site work completed in August, while they expect installation of the elevators in the summer of 2026.

Image of workers building an ADA-accessible ramp at the Fanning Building courtesy of Worcester Public Schools

Massachusetts Lawmakers Look to Legalize iGaming in an Effort to Boost State’s Revenue and Regulation

Lawmakers have raised the question of whether Massachusetts should allow legal iGaming. One of the reasons behind legalizing the iGaming sector is to give people in the state a legal way to wager and play casino games online. The goal is to have everything from blackjack to online slots under one regulation so that it’s under state oversight. This proposal comes with two separate bills. One in the House and another in the Senate, which outlines the tax rates, licensing fees, and structure for a market that many supporters believe to be worth hundreds of millions a year. 

The hearing was chaotic when the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure met on June 23rd, 2025. Casino executives leaned in to make their case. Economists brought spreadsheets. A few residents spoke quietly about what expanded gambling might mean for their towns. Some of the committee believed this legalization would bring more funding for public services, while others brought up the possibility of layoffs in areas dependent on physical casinos for steady work. Even though no voting has taken place, these debates have created momentum in legalizing iGaming in the state of Massachusetts. 

Still, many Massachusetts players aren’t sitting around waiting to see how these talks pay out. Would it be great for iGaming to be legal in the state? Yes, but this isn’t the only option. Licensed in places like Panama, Curaçao, and Malta, a number of reputable offshore gambling platforms operate in a legal gray area. These gambling platforms, like Esports Insider’s casino selections, show that these platforms are a popular choice amongst players in restricted regions since they’re accessible today, maintain recognized gaming certifications, and provide a mix of quick withdrawals and secure payment methods. For players who want to enjoy a few casino games and compare sites, these sites can be legally played from Massachusetts. This makes these platforms a realistic choice while state lawmakers deliberate.

Representative Daniel Cahill and Senator Paul Feeney, who filed the two bills, argue the framework is designed to balance state revenue with oversight. Under their proposals, each license would run $5 million for five years, and operators would be taxed at 20% of gross gaming revenue. DraftKings, headquartered in Boston, has already voiced its enthusiasm, estimating that once the market matures, it could bring in around $275 million in taxes each year.

Supporters say the benefits extend beyond money. Any operator granted a license would have to follow detailed safety rules: proving the fairness of its games, submitting to regular audits, and putting player-protection tools front and center. In other states with legal iGaming, those guardrails have reportedly drawn gamblers away from unregulated sites.

Not everyone is buying it. A 2025 report from The Innovation Group estimated Massachusetts could see more than 3,600 job losses across the casino sector and related industries if online gambling grows quickly. Critics point to New Jersey’s example, where casino employment dropped by 17% between 2019 and 2024, and suggest that history may repeat itself here.

The regional picture is worth noting. Connecticut jumped into iGaming in late 2021 and has already collected over $230 million in related taxes. Rhode Island started in 2024. Maine’s legislation has cleared one hurdle but still needs more approval. New Hampshire, meanwhile, has paused its effort. Massachusetts sat at 14th place for casino revenue last year, and some analysts believe online wagering could help it climb (if it happens).

The path from a bill passing to a fully functional online market is rarely quick. The state’s online lottery, which got the go-ahead in 2024, was supposed to launch in the fall of 2025. That’s now pushed to spring 2026 due to budget and setup problems. 

Public comment is shaping much of the conversation. During June’s hearing, you could hear different perspectives stacked back-to-back: a business owner hoping for more foot traffic, an advocate warning about problem gambling, a tech expert explaining anti-fraud systems. It wasn’t just numbers and policy. There were stories, concerns, and a fair bit of back-and-forth between panel members and the public.

If either bill gets through, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission would be the agency in charge of running the show. For the moment, the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure is still sifting through the evidence and arguments. There’s no fixed date for a decision. Whatever they decide could reshape how gambling works in the state and set the tone for Massachusetts’ place in the wider digital gaming market.

See the Neighborhood Meetings This Week in Worcester

WORCESTER – The Worcester Police Department is encouraging residents to attend their neighborhood watch meetings to stay up-to-date on what’s happening in their neighborhoods and to share any concerns or questions they may have. Representatives from the city also regularly attend these neighborhood meetings.

There are over 50 Neighborhood Watch Groups in Worcester. Meetings are held regularly — often once a month in various locations in the city.

Contact the Worcester Police Department’s Neighborhood Response Team at (508) 799-8664 for more information.

Here are the neighborhood meetings this week in Worcester.

Monday, August 11

• Elm Park Neighborhood Meeting, All Saints Episcopal Church, 10 Irving St. – 4 PM
• Tatnuck Square Neighborhood Meeting, First Congregational Church, 1070 Pleasant St. – 6 PM

Wednesday, August 13

• Saxon Road Neighborhood Meeting, Congregation Beth Israel, 15 Jamesbury Dr. – 5:30 PM
• Newton Square Neighborhood Meeting, Blessed Sacrament Church, 551 Pleasant St. – 6:30 PM
• Lake View Neighborhood Meeting, 115 Coburn Ave. – 7 PM

Thursday, August 14

• Main South Beacon Brightly Neighborhood Meeting, Y.M.C.A., 766 Main St. – 5:30
• Burncoat/Greendale Neighborhood Meeting, St. Michaels On-The-Heights, 340 Burncoat St. – 6 PM
• South Lenox Street Neighborhood Meeting, First Congregational Church, 1070 Pleasant St. – 6 PM

Wednesday, August 20

• Indian Lake Neighborhood Meeting, Worcester Business Center, 67 Millbrook St. – 6 PM

Thursday, August 21

• Mill St. Area Neighborhood Meeting, Stearns Tavern, 72 Coes St. – 6 PM

Monday, August 25

• Green Hill Neighborhood Meeting, Saint Bernard’s Church, 236 Lincoln St. – 6:30 PM

Wednesday, August 27

• Whittier Terrace Neighborhood Meeting, Whittier Terrace, 86 Austin St. – 4 PM

Thursday, August 14

• Columbus Park Neighborhood Meeting, Stearns Tavern, 72 Coes St. – 6 PM