Massachusetts Lawmakers Begins Discussing Speaker Robert DeLeos Gaming Proposal

Massachusetts legislators will begin discussing a bill that would permit two resort-style casino establishments in the state and 750 slot machines at the state's four horse racing tracks on April 13th, 2010. House Speaker Robert DeLeo(D) will try to convince dozens of state legislators this week to support expanded gaming in the Bay State.

Speaker DeLeo's gaming plan would allow two resort-style casino facilities and would permit three thousand slot machines at the racing tracks. The proposal goes before the House on Tuesday. Middleboro has been the center of the state discussion over resort casinos.

As a result, opponents are wary of this latest initiative to legalize gaming. CasinoFacts.org President Frank Dunphy said that Speaker DeLeo's proposal is disguised as a jobs proposal. Two of Massachusetts four horse racing tracks are located in the district of Speaker DeLeo.

The House Speaker said that he thinks that they have an excellent plan and believes that with the help of the casinos and the slot machines, they can get the state going forward again. Two years ago, the Massachusetts House dismissed a plan of Gov. Deval Patrick that called for the construction of three casinos.

Gov. Patrick (D) still supports gaming but are not sure with slot machines. Despite what happens on Beacon Hill, the Wampanoag Indian tribe have a deal with Middleboro to construct a casino. Dunphy said that they have actually researched the cost of having a casino in the state and they have found out that the costs far outweight the rewards.

Tuesday, 11 May 2010
Marissa Patterson