Patrick And DeLeo May Square Off Over Gambling At Mass. Racetracks

Governor Duval Patrick ran his campaign a couple of years ago on the promise that he would fight for casino resorts in Massachusetts. Now, it appears that both the House Speaker and Senate President are on his side, but their views on how to expand gambling in the state differ.

House Speaker Robert DeLeo reiterated his intentions earlier this week of proposing legislation later this month that would bring two casinos to Massachusetts. He wants a limited number of slots at state racetracks, and this is where his plan differs from Patrick's.

The governor wants only casino resorts in the state. Without the slots, many believe that the racetracks in Massachusetts will not survive the current economic conditions. Patrick, however, believes that casinos should be the place for slots and other forms of gambling.

Senate President Therese Murray also is in favor of expanded gambling, and has thrown her support behind Patrick's plan. That will make it difficult for DeLeo to move his bills through the legislature without a battle.

With all three political leaders looking to expand gambling, the base is there for a compromise. Whether or not that compromise could come in this legislative session is unknown, but some lawmakers believe it is doubtful.

If no laws are changed, it would be the second straight year that gambling expansion talks stalled in the legislature. Last year, Patrick proposed the casino resorts, but lawmakers turned away the proposal. The House Speaker at that time was Salvatore DiMasi, and he was a staunch opponent of gambling.

March 5, 2010
Posted By April Gardner
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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