Donald Trump would gamble on Bay State

Donald Trump said hed consider rolling the dice and building the Bay States first casino, if Beacon Hill gives expanded gambling a green light. Trump, whose varied business empire includes a major gambling and resort company, pointed out that the Massachusetts legislature has a long record of debating, but never approving casino gambling. Gov.-elect Deval Patrick has said he is studying the issue. That said, if Massachusetts decides to ante up, D. Trump would take a serious look at getting in on the action. One thing about gaming – if you build it, they will come, Trump told the Herald. The Donalds comments come as he prepares to take the stage for a real estate and money seminar this weekend at Bostons sprawling new convention center. Trump is the headliner of the Learning Annex Real Estate & Wealth Expo, which features a 26-member lineup of experts, authors and inspirational speakers. Trump also said he would entertain the idea of building one of his posh condo towers in Boston – if the right opportunity presented itself. In fact, the business mogul said hes been looking for an opening in the Hub market for years, but development site prices have been too high. That could change in the current market, he hinted. Maybe people will start talking turkey, Trump said. Trump also threw a bone to Mayor Thomas M. Menino, who has proposed a skyline-topping, 75-story 1,000-foot tower that would be the citys tallest. The real estate magnate noted he has lots of experience building tall towers. I think the mayor is right, said Trump, who is building two 90-plus-story towers in New York and Chicago. I think he has the right vision. While he made his fortune building luxury condo towers, Trump didnt sugarcoat the current real estate downturn Massachusetts is suffering through. But he predicted it will not be as severe as the last downturn in the late 1980s and early 1990s, which lasted seven years.  They (prices) could go down further, and frankly I think they will probably go down a little (more), Trump said. It wont be anything like it was in the early 1990s. There may be a silver lining as well as home and condo sales and prices drop. Its a great time to buy. There are certain opportunities and you had better not miss them.