Massachusetts governor close to compromise on gaming bill

Wednesday, June 15, 2011  

Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick (D) said he is close to a compromise on a bill to legalize casino-style gambling.

Patrick supports up to three casinos and slot machines at one racetrack, all of which would be open to bidding. He's been meeting with Senate President Therese Murray and House Speaker Robert DeLeo on the bill.

"My preference is for three destination resorts because that's where we get the jobs and the revenue," Patrick said, according to State House News Service. "I understand that if we're going to get something we can all live with, I have to show a little flexibility and I've expressed my support for that in the past."

If gaming is legalized, the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe plans to pursue a casino under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. The tribe is in talks to buy Raynham Park, an old racetrack, a move that would take that facility out of the running for slot machines.

If the bill passes, the Mohegan Tribe of Connecticut plans to bid on a casino in the western part of Massachusetts.

Get the Story:
Tribe has stake in latest casino legislation (The Cape Cod Times 6/15)
Raynham Park owner reportedly in talks with Mashpee Wampanoag tribe about possible sale (GateHouse News Service 6/15)
Mashpee Wampanoags said to be in talks with Raynham Park owner (The Patriot Ledger 6/15)

Related Stories:
Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe looking at potential gaming sites (6/14)
Bill to legalize casinos in Massachusetts is back on the table (6/9)