Massachusetts Senate Plans To Take Time With Gambling Legislation

In Massachusetts, House Speaker Robert DeLeo may be proud of his accomplishment of getting fellow House members to vote for his expanded gambling legislation. That joy, however, may be short-lived with the Senate still on the fence over the issue.

DeLeo has proposed legislation that would allow two casino resorts in Massachusetts. A limited amount of slots would also be available for state racetracks. The House overwhelmingly approved the bill.

Senate President Therese Murray indicated on Tuesday that the Senate is in no rush to address the gambling issue. Murray suggested that the chamber would not take up the gambling talks until after Memorial Day. The Senate , instead, will be looking to finalize budget issues.

Senators also indicated on Tuesday that the House bill would not be the model by which they craft their version of the gambling legislation. While Murray is a supporter of expanded gambling, the extent to which the Senate President would expand gambling is yet unknown.

Governor Duval Patrick has been pushing for casino resorts in the state for two years. His first attempt was unsuccessful after then-House Speaker Salvatore DiMasi, led a charge to block the governor's gambling proposal.

When DeLeo took office, it seemed as though he would be an ally to Governor Patrick. The two, however, have been at odds about the expansion. Patrick does not want slot machines at the state racetracks, and has indicated he may be willing to veto the current legislation on the table. The House voted in a two-thirds majority for the bill, eliminating the option of a veto.

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