The source points out that the conclusion that is being drawn isthat the commission will recommend the legislature approve casinogambling because the economic benefits will be worth more than thepotential social costs. But he notes that the draft of the findingsadds that "much further study" should be done on the issue. Thereport is scheduled to be officially released on Dec. 31.

Even if the report does recommend that casino gambling beallowed in the state, the source emphasizes that there will be anenormous amount of public debate that will precede any legislativeaction.

Proponents of allowing casino gambling in the state contend thatcasinos in Connecticut, such as Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun, aregetting millions of dollars that would otherwise remain in thestate. But opponents insist that the social ills that tend toaccompany casino gambling would end up costing more than the gainsin tax revenues and job creation.