Other Sites

777 Casino
online casino

Casinos in Massahusetts? A Continuing Saga Gets One Step Closer

Massachusetts may soon be following the example of other states that are using gambling to create much needed revenues to fund essential services.

But things like this don’t happen overnight.

Massachusetts State House Speaker Robert DeLeo, a gaming supporter, said that a new law licensing casinos in Massachusetts probably won’t be finished until after the holidays.

DeLeo, State Senate President Therese Murray and Governor Deval Patrick, have all announced support for the use of casinos and gambling to generate state revenue.

But, just as a national bill by Representative Barney Frank of Massachusetts regulating online gambling is delayed by the need to first address the economy, so too does the state measure find itself blocked by more urgent concerns. Patrick says the casino debate shouldn’t be engaged while attention is still needed to focus on economic recovery.

DeLeo did say a public hearing would be held in October, to answer questions as to what gaming options lawmakers are examining and measure public concerns.

DeLeo says too many alternatives need to be discussed to properly prepare a bill for the fall agenda. The number of licensed casinos, where they would be placed, tax rates, and the suggestion to locate slots at race tracks all are to be considered.

Watch this space for more news on this as it occurs.