Massachusetts governor eyes compromise on casino legislation

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick (D) said he was worried that a gaming bill won't make it to his desk this year.

Patrick supports casino resorts but lawmakers have yet to agree on a final bill. The House version authorizes two casinos while the Senate version calls for three.

The House version also authorizes slot machines at racetracks, which Patrick opposes. And neither version sets aside a casino for tribes although the Senate version attempts to limit the state to one Class III gaming compact.

The Aquinnah Wampanoag Tribe and the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe are both interested in gaming. The Aquinnah have said they are open to bidding on a casino while the Mashpee are proceeding under federal law.

Get the Story:
Gov. Patrick: Casino bill iffy in 2010 (State House News Service 7/14)
Town objects to Mashpee tribe's casino plans (The Cape Cod Times 7/13)

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