On April 3rd, 2009, DiNero's, an eating establishment and bar known for its fist-sized shrimp and family-friendly prices, has endured years of bad luck, located in a town where officials are not keen on allowing the game of Keno. But after numerous rounds of debate, costly modifications and appeals, restaurant proprietor Frank Plotner was surprised yesterday when the state Lottery Commission took an unprecedented decision of giving him a keno license despite criticisms and denials from town leaders.
State Treasurer Timothy P. Cahill, who heads the commission and oversees the lottery says that the town's objections to permitting a keno operations had gone for too long. Cahill said that he was not aware of any other community where the state awarded a lottery license against the wishes of local leaders. Cahill added that it is obvious that the town does not want the game of keno but it is unfair.
Although the state is debating on whether to allow license slot machine parlors and casino facilities, local criticism to gaming can still remain strong. Cohasset, known for its high-price housing and ocean views, has resisted the idea of gaming in the past. Previously, before approving a commuter rail line, residents insisted that the state should provide big parking spaces for large vehicles.
DiNero's deviates from this exclusivity with its $14.95 broiled lobster, twice a week Italian nights and its motto, "Elegance without the cost". It attracts most of its customers from Hull, a more modest residential area.
Plotner said that given with Cohasset's stance against gaming, he was resigned to the idea that he cannot offer keno on his establishment. Plotner tried to offer keno in 2002 after he bought out a business partner. He had enjoyed relative success with keno at other business establishment he owned in Boston and on the South shore and wanted to extend to his Cohasset business.
Residents objected to his plan and Cohasset's selectmen also rejected Plotner's petition to offer keno on the grounds that DiNero's was too small and lacked a big parking area. He appealed the decision but the Lottery Commission sided with the town officials in 2004.
Selectman Frederick R. Koed, who represented Cohasset's board on the issue, stated that he still considers DiNero's an inappropriate place for keno because of parking and traffic issues. Koed said that they are very disappointed that the Lottery Commission has overturned the decision of the town's selectmen.
Keno, which is very similar with bingo, produces about $750 million in yearly sales through its video terminals and a Keno-to-Go version in which participants must check the winning digits on the lottery's online site. The 7,500 agents who offer the games earn an average of $40,000 annually.
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Louis Blechdom
