New Casino Czar Faces Path Packed With Political Minefields

BOSTON (AP) — As the state's new casino czar, Stephen Crosby is starting down a path laden with political minefields.

Crosby was appointed chairman of the new five-member Massachusetts Gaming Commission on Tuesday. He instantly becomes the public face of one of Beacon Hill's most contentious policy decision in decades.

Crosby is responsible for helping launch an industry entirely new to Massachusetts, one that lawmakers hope will generate thousands of jobs and hundreds of thousands of dollars. He must also walk an ethical tightrope designed to ensure every decision he takes is above reproach.

Part of his job will be juggling the sometimes competing demands of reviewing applications for proposed casinos while also acting as top casino watchdog and listening to the concerns of residents in the communities where casinos may be located.

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.