Patrick Concedes One Slot Parlor To Get Gambling Deal Finished

Governor Duval Patrick has been so opposed to slots at racetracks or anywhere else in Massachusetts outside of casino resorts, that he has in the past threatened to veto any legislation that includes the slots, On Thursday, Patrick showed his leadership skills by compromising.

With a Saturday deadline to complete gambling expansion legislation in Massachusetts looming, Governor Patrick announced the legislators that he would be willing to sign a bill that had one slot parlor included. That is a stark contrast to his previous stance.

Patrick first told House Speaker Robert DeLeo of his intentions, then he moved along and informed Senate President Therese Murray. The governor is hoping that the concession will lead negotiators from the House and Senate to find common ground moving forward.

The House has passed a bill that would bring casino resorts to the state, and also would allow slot gambling at state racetracks. DeLeo proposed the legislation, but the Senate had their own version of gambling expansion.

Murray has been opposed to slots at the tracks, leading the Senate to create a bill that did not include the additional gambling. The slots have been the major hurdle in finishing the law before the end of the legislative session on Saturday.

On Thursday, Patrick proposed that one slot parlor be authorized. He did not concede that the license would go to a state track, leaving the door open for a private investor to bid on the license. A bidding process could bring the state millions of dollars in additional revenue.

July 30, 2010
Posted By Terry Goodwin
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
Submit News!

Businessman Trump Likes US Model Of Regulated Online Gambling
Alabama Governor Riley Accused Of Corruption In Gambling Lawsuit
Online Sports Betting Case Ends In Guilty Plea In Kansas City
Las Vegas Casinos Get A Leg Up In Potential US Online Gambling Race
Patrick Toe Extend Legislative Session To Complete Gambling Bill