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Massachusetts Senate Discusses the Merits of Gambling Expansion

The issue of gaming expansion in the state of Massachusetts has taken quite some time to be reviewed and legislators are still not sure how gambling in the state will be expanded.

The Massachusetts Senate will reveal their plan for gambling expansion in the state on June 3rd, 2010. Governor Deval Patrick proposed a gaming plan in 2009 that would have introduced casino resorts in the state.

Gov. Patrick was not in favor of installing slot machines at state horse racing tracks and it has been a contentious point in discussions over a possible gaming proposal. The Massachusetts Senate appears to agree with the governor's plan.

In the bill that will be proposed on June 3rd, 2010, three casino resorts would be allowed to be constructed in the state, with one of the casino resorts being manage by an Indian tribe.

The plan of the Senate does not permit slot machines at the racing tracks. The House has already approved their version of gambling expansion. In the state House's bill, only two casino resorts would be allowed. The House bill would also permit for 750 slot machines at each Massachusetts racing tracks.

The objective in Massachusetts, much like in other U.S. states, is to gain the most profit possible with their gambling expansion plans. State Senators believe that the best option to maximize gaming revenue is to allow casino resorts.

Senators argue that allowing slot machines at state horse racing tracks would be helpful for revenue but it would not create the new employment opportunities that casino resorts would offer.

The issue could lead to a showdown between the Massachusetts House and Senate. House Speaker Robert DeLeo said that he will continue to support the House plan while Governor Patrick said that he will veto any proposal that includes slot machines at the racing tracks. But the two chambers agree on one thing, licensing costs would be too much for casino resort developers.

 

Gerald Kernighan
Wednesday, July 14 , 2010