After a divisive argument between the legislative houses in Massachusetts almost derailed this year's chances for expanded gambling within the state, it now appears the governor may prevent the bill from becoming law. Deval Patrick told reporters he won't sign the casino bill as currently structured.Patrick says he needs lawmakers to amend the bill, which allows the creation of 3 resort casinos and two racinos at existing race tracks. Patrick wants an amendment added eliminating the racino provision and allowing only the stand-alone casinos.
While the casino operators can be subject to a competitive bidding process, the racino locations can be assigned to existing tracks, one in all that's Suffolk Downs. The home version of the bill, guided by Speaker Robert DeLeo, whose district contains the track, specified the desire for racinos.
"I'm not likely to join no bid contracts, that's exactly the more or less thing that individuals voted to change," said Patrick. "THAT SORT of inside deal that the fix can be in for some powerful interest."
The Senate version had licensed only the casinos, but DeLeo forced the racinos into the compromise version, playing chicken with a deadline of last week until the Senate side blinked. Now, it's highly doubtful the Speaker will allow any casino bill to head forward unless a Suffolk Downs racino is included.
Published on August 9, 2010 by K.C.Carmichael
Read More... [Source: Casino News]
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