Democratic Leaders In Massachusetts Digging Gambling Grave

For months, Democratic leaders have attempted to iron out a compromise when it comes to expanded gambling in the state of Massachusetts. On Saturday, the legislative session needed and lawmakers were unable to reach the coveted compromise.

Governor Duval Patrick has been pushing for casino resorts in Massachusetts for several years. The pleas have fallen on deaf ears with lawmakers denying the gambling last year largely because former House Speaker Salvatore DiMasi opposed casinos.

This year, Patrick's proposal received new life when new House Speaker Robert DeLeo supported expanded gambling. DeLeo, however, wanted to bring slots to state racetracks in addition to the casino resorts.

The slots at the tracks have been a major source of contention among Democratic leaders in the past couple of months. The Senate and the House have both passed gambling legislation, but have been unable to come to an agreement on a bill.

Saturday was the deadline for lawmakers to get the deal finished before the end of the session. On Friday, the Senate and the House agreed to a compromise that included slots at two locations outside of the casino resorts. Patrick balked at the plan.

Saturday, the legislators spent the day posturing, but at midnight, no deal had been complete. Senate President Therese Murray had been on the side of Patrick, not wanting slots at state tracks. All of the posturing, however, has left a dark mark on the Democratic leaders.

"If the governor, Senate President, and House Speaker could not agree on a law for gambling, it does not bode well for the Democrats in the upcoming election," said Gaming Analyst Steve Schwartz. "If this issue is not resolved, it could be a major gain for the GOP."

August 1, 2010
Posted By April Gardner
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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