Massachusetts House Speaker Robert DeLeo (D) said he will propose legislation to legalize two commercial casinos and authorize "a limited number" of slot machines at four racetracks.

The proposal differs from one previously advanced by Gov. Deval Patrick (D). He wants three commercial casinos and doesn't support slots at the tracks.

But the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe welcomed the news. Commercial casinos would pave the way for a Class III gaming compact.

“We applaud Speaker DeLeo’s support for expanding gaming to create jobs in Massachusetts. Once gaming is expanded, we intend to move forward with our plans to build a full resort-style casino in southeastern Massachusetts under the rights afforded to us as a sovereign Indian tribe,” Chairman Cedric Cromwell said in a statement, according to news reports.

Class III gaming is not legal in Massachusetts.

Get the Story:
House speaker pushes plans for casinos (AP 3/5)
Middleboro: Why was our casino omitted from DeLeo speech? (The Brockton Enterprise 3/5)
Speaker would limit casinos (The New Bedford Standard-Times 3/5)
DeLeo goes to bat for casinos, slots (The Boston Globe 3/5)

An Opinion:
Brian McGrory: On track for chaos (The Boston Globe 3/5)