Massachusetts Gambling Bill Heads To Senate For Historic Vote

In Pennsylvania, Governor Duval Patrick has been pushing for casino resorts for several years. It is ironic that on the week that casino resorts may finally be approved, Patrick is left with mix feelings on the legislation.

House Speaker Robert DeLeo has proposed a bill that would authorize two casino resorts in the state. The legislation also gives racetracks the rights to operate a limited amount of slot machines. That is where the governor and the house speaker see things differently.

Governor Patrick does not want slot machines at the state racetracks. Many believe that if the legislation with the slots would have passed both chambers, Patrick would have vetoed the bill. The House, however, passed the legislation with a two-thirds majority, eliminating the possibility of a veto.

The Senate is expected to vote this week on the legislation, and the sentiments of senators have mirrored the governor's. There is a chance that the Senate alters the House plan to take the slots away from the tracks. If that occurs, the process of gambling expansion could begin from scratch.

Senate President Therese Murray has voiced her opinion that gambling expansion would be good for the state. If she persuades enough senators to vote for the House legislation, Massachusetts would become the latest in the growing number of Northeastern states to add casino resorts.

New Jersey, the longtime gaming capital of the East Coast, is watching their Atlantic City gambling industry struggle, and with each passing state that adds casinos, the outlook for AC's future becomes dimmer.

April 20, 2010
Posted By April Gardner
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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