Pro-gambling groups pouring millions into Mass.

BOSTON—Pro-gambling groups are ramping up their lobbying efforts in Massachusetts as lawmakers weigh whether to adopt slot machines, casino gambling, or a combination of both.

A review of state lobbying records by The Associated Press found that in 2005, companies and groups pushing legalized gambling spent $764,500 on lobbyists to press their message on Beacon Hill.

During the first half of 2009, those same groups surpassed that total, pouring $777,983 into lobbying.

That’s on pace to match the $1.57 million spent in 2008 when the state’s racetracks were locked in a failed effort to defeat a ballot question to end greyhound dog racing.

In the past four and a half years, pro-gambling groups have spent more than $5 million on lobbying in Massachusetts.