Massachusetts Lawmakers Continue To Work On Casino Gambling Bill

The House and the Senate have both passed their versions of expanded gambling bills in Massachusetts, but there were enough differences to need a collaboration. Six lawmakers have begun to reconcile the two bills, and they are hoping to have the final bill complete by the end of the month.

Two Republicans and four Democrats have been assigned the task of negotiating compromises in the Senate and House bills. The House wants slot machines at state racetracks, while the Senate plan does not call for slots at the tracks.

That is just one of the differences that legislators need to work out. The type of bill each chamber produced is also up for debate. The Senate considers the House bill an appropriations bill, meaning it would have to withstand line for line vetoes. The House does not believe the bill is an appropriations bill.

Governor Duval Patrick has long pushed for casino resorts in Massachusetts, but is against slots at the tracks. The governor has not ruled out the idea of a veto of the House bill if the slots are included. If the bill was ruled spending legislation, Gov. Patrick would have the option of vetoing some of the legislation, but not all.

Patrick first attempted to bring casino resorts to Massachusetts last year, but his efforts were stalled by the persuasive power of then-House Majority Leader Salvatore DiMasi, who has since been removed from office. Robert DeLeo is now the majority leader.

Massachusetts lawmakers have a deadline of July 31st to have the legislation on the governor's desk. If the bill is not complete by then, the gambling expansion may have to wait until next session. Neighboring states are expanding their gaming options rapidly, and any delay could cost Massachusetts millions of dollars in revenue down the road.

July 13, 2010
Posted By April Gardner
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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