Slot Lobby Spends more than 100% more than in 2006

Scary - and telling - numbers.

The amount spent by firms, unions and interest groups hoping to influence the gambling debate has grown from just more than $800,000 in 2006 to more than $2 million in 2009, according to an Associated Press review of records filed with the secretary of state's office.

The vast majority of the lobbying dollars are being spent by groups hoping to get a piece of the gambling pie if lawmakers ultimately vote to approve an expanded gaming bill.

The surge in lobbying comes as the push for casinos, slot machines or a combination of both nears a critical stage.

The question has to be asked, is Massachusetts up for sale? Because with this kind of money flying around, it looks like the slot lobby thinks so.