Federal Funds Could Be Key To Casino Deal In Massachusetts

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The casino gambling issue in Massachusetts appeared dead just a week ago, but it may receive a shot in the arm this week. With Congress expected to approve federal health care funds for individual states, Massachusetts lawmakers may be lured back into a special session.

The Senate, House, and governor all have differing views on how to expand gambling in the state, and the same can be said on how to divide up the funds Massachusetts receives from the federal government. In order to divide the money, lawmakers will have to come together.

If a special session is called, the gambling issue would then be part of any discussions that took place. The governor would like legislators to come back solely for the gambling issue, but for that to happen the Senate would have to approve a special session by a two-thirds vote.

Senate President Therese Murray indicated senators would not vote to come back for gambling. Dividing up free money from the government, however, would be a reason the legislators would consider working overtime.

The gambling issue has torn apart the Democratic leaders in Massachusetts. Governor Duval Patrick, Murray, and House Speaker Robert DeLeo all have their own way they would like to see gambling expanded. The biggest rift is between the governor and house speaker.

Governor Patrick wants casinos resorts in the state while keeping slots out of state racetracks. Rep. DeLeo has pushed a bill through the House that would allow slots at tracks, two of which are in his jurisdiction. Murray and the Senate have sided with the governor.

The last minute negotiations broke down after lawmakers sent a bill to Governor Patrick with two approved slot parlors. Patrick immediately made changes to the legislation and sent it back with no slot parlor licenses. he indicated at the time that his prior compromise for one slot license was now off the table.

August 9, 2010
Posted By Terry Goodwin
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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