Child care programs licensed by the Department of Early Education and Care got a retroactive 10% increase in the rates they are paid this week, a boost the Baker administration said totals nearly $80 million.

The rate increases retroactive to July 1 are funded through the fiscal year 2023 budget and are “expected to cover child care costs for approximately 50,000 children whose families are eligible for state subsidies,” EEC said.

The Board of Early Education and Care voted unanimously Tuesday to approve the 10% raise in order to ensure that all providers are paid daily rates equal to at least “the 30th percentile of the market rate” that private-pay child care programs get, the department said.

“These rate increases are one part of the Commonwealth’s strategy to support the early education field, promote access, and help programs focus on quality as they prepare our young learners for school,” Education Secretary James Peyser said.

Gamblers are shrugging off inflation concerns and losing money at casinos at a record pace.

Figures released Wednesday show the U.S. commercial casino industry had its best quarter ever, winning over $15 billion from gamblers in the third quarter of this year.

The American Gaming Association says the gambling halls are on track to have their best year ever in 2022.

Out of 33 states in which gambling was operational a year ago, 16 reported quarterly highs in overall gambling revenue, including five of the six largest markets: Indiana, Michigan, Nevada, New York and Pennsylvania.