Massachusetts Legislators Create Gambling Bill, Governor May Veto

Massachusetts lawmakers in the House and Senate have been at odds on the gambling expansion issue for several weeks. On Friday, the lawmakers agreed to a deal but Governor Duval Patrick may end up vetoing the legislation.

On Thursday, Patrick urged lawmakers to complete the bill with one slot parlor authorization outside of the casino resorts that both the House and the Senate agreed on. Patrick had been against slot gambling anywhere in the state except at the casino resorts.

The move on Thursday was seen around Massachusetts as a compromise. On Friday, lawmakers took that compromise a little too far for the governor, when they authorized three casino resorts and two slot parlors.

"I cannot support this bill in its current form," said Patrick, as reported by The Associated Press. Patrick believes that lawmakers must refine the legislation before the end of the legislative session on Saturday.

House Speaker Robert DeLeo had been pushing for slot machines at state racetracks. The House passed a version of the gambling bill giving tracks the right to operate 750 slot machines. DeLeo believes that once Patrick reviews the legislation, he will sign off on the new law.

Patrick also wanted the bidding for the one slot parlor to be open. Lawmakers refused that request when they placed language in the gambling bill that will only allow the state's four tracks to bid on the licenses to operate slots.

A final vote must be taken on the gambling legislation before the end of session on Saturday. Patrick has already hinted that he may ask legislators to stay i session and work overtime if the gambling bill is not complete by Saturday.

July 31, 2010
Posted By Terry Goodwin
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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