Massachusetts Senate Approves Gambling Bill, Reconciliation Begins

In Massachusetts, casino resort gambling is closer than ever, but the clock is still ticking for lawmakers to finalize the plan. The Senate passed their version of gambling expansion late this past week.

That plan will now have to be reconciled with the House plan, and that may not be an easy task. There are some glaring differences between the two proposals, and Governor Duval Patrick has vowed to be at the center of the negotiations.

The two sides have a deadline of July 31st to reconcile the bills. The legislative session ends on that date, and if a final version is not approved by both chambers, the gambling expansion talk may have to wait another year. That is a prospect that Patrick insists cannot happen.

The Senate bill that was passed this week calls for the creation of three casino resorts. No slots were awarded for state racetracks in the plan, and that could become a sticking point when negotiations begin with the House.

The approved House plan calls for only two casino resorts, but gives 750 slots for each of the state's two horse tracks and two dog tracks. House Speaker Robert DeLeo lobbied hard to have the slots included in the deal.

If the House and Senate can come to terms on an agreement, the possibility exists for millions of dollars to be pumped into the economy in Massachusetts. Tax revenue would also be in the millions for a state that is facing severe budget deficiencies. Governor Patrick has been pushing for gambling expansion since before he took office.

July 3, 2010
Posted By Terry Goodwin
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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