Gov. Deval Patrick (D) conceded his proposal to legalize three commercial casinos doesn't have enough votes to pass.

Patrick testified at a lengthy public hearing in Boston yesterday. He said he was open to a compromise and urged lawmakers to continue debate but House Speaker Salvatore F. DiMasi, a Democrat, said the legislation was dead.

"Casinos will absolutely cause human damage on a grand scale," DiMasi told the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, The Boston Globe reported.

Patrick's plan would have given preference to tribal bidders. The Aquinnah Wampanoag Tribe, backed by the Seneca Nation of New York, was interested in applying for a casino.

"If this measure succeeds, and commercial casino licenses become available, we are well-positioned to develop a casino and ensure that the proceeds stay here, to benefit residents of the commonwealth," Chairwoman Cheryl Andrews-Maltais said in written testimony, The Cape Cod Times reported.

The newly recognized Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe is pursuing its own casino under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. The tribe could open a Class II facility but full-scale Class III gaming is not legal in the state.

Get the Story:
Patrick fights odds on casinos (The Boston Globe 3/19)
No deal, no money (The Boston Herald 3/19)
House resists Patrick's casino plan (The Cape Cod Times 3/19)
Governor tries to salvage casino bill (Ottaway News Service 3/19)
Governor's casino plans on way to defeat (Gatehouse News Service 3/19)

Some Opinions:
Editorial: The die is cast (The Bershire Eagle 3/19)
Louise: Haldeman: Casinos don't pay promised benefits (The Norwch Bulletin 3/19)