Massachusetts Senate To Push Governor's Gambling Plan This Week

The gambling expansion issue in Massachusetts has taken a long time to sort out, and lawmakers still are uncertain, how, if at all, gambling will be expanded. This week, the Senate will unveil their plan for the future of gambling in the state.

Governor Duval Patrick proposed a plan last year that would have brought casino resorts to Massachusetts. The governor was not in favor of slots at state racetracks, and it has been a sticking point in negotiations over a possible gambling bill.

The Senate appears to agree with Governor Patrick's plan. In the bill that will be proposed this week, three casino resorts would be authorized in the state, with one of them being run by an Indian tribe. The Senate plan does not allow slots at the tracks.

The House has already passed their version of gambling expansion. In the House's bill, only two casino resorts would be authorized. The House bill would also allow for 750 slot machines at each of the state's racetracks.

The goal in Massachusetts, much like in other states, is to gain the most revenue possible with their gaming expansion. Senators believe that the best way to maximize revenue is to add the casino resorts. The senators argue that slots at the race tracks would be good for revenue, but they would not create the jobs that building casino resorts would bring.

The issue could be headed for a major showdown. House Speaker Robert DeLeo insists that he will continue to push the House plan, while Governor Patrick has threatened to veto any legislation that includes slots at the tracks. The two chambers do agree on one thing, licensing fees would be steep for the casino resort developers.

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