DeLeo Will Introduce Gambling Legislation Thursday In Massachusetts – Casino Gambling Web

Governor Duval Patrick has been waiting several years for a House Speaker that would back his call for expanded gambling in Massachusetts. On Thursday, Patrick will get his wish when House Speaker Robert DeLeo introduces new legislation.

Patrick had run his campaign largely on a platform surrounding casino resort expansion in the state. Voters jumped on board, but Patrick ran into opposition last year when he made his proposal. Former House Speaker Salvatore DiMasi was against gambling, and persuaded lawmakers to vote down the governor’s plan.

Now, Patrick will sit back and watch as the new House Speaker takes his shot at having gambling expansion legislation passed. DeLeo has many more supporters for the new plan than Patrick had last year.

DeLeo’s proposal is expected to include two new casino resorts for Massachusetts. Struggling racetracks in the state would also receive some relief, with the legislation calling for a limited number of slots to help the tracks through their current financial crisis.

With Governor Patrick and Senate President Therese Murray firmly behind gambling expansion, this bill that will be introduced on Thursday has a strong chance of passing. If expansion occurs, Massachusetts would join Pennsylvania, New York, Maryland, and Delaware as states that have added gambling options in the past several years.

For decades, New Jersey was the undisputed leader when it came to casino gambling. Now, however, the winds of change have swept into the Northeast, with many states poised to make a run to become the top gambling destination.

Delaware and Pennsylvania have made significant strides in the past year. Delaware lawmakers approved sports betting last year, and Pennsylvania legislators legalized table games in their state.

March 31, 2010
Posted By Tom Jones
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com

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