Mass.: Casino battle begins anew

Mass.: Casino battle begins anew

	Published : Thu, 11 Oct 2007 18:09 By : Agencies Print this Story

BOSTON (AP) - Supporters of Gov. Deval Patrick's plan to bring three resort-style casinos to Massachusetts wasted no time trying to round up votes Thursday as Patrick prepared to offer details of his legislation.

The Democratic governor's plan to generate revenue with the three casinos is opposed by House Speaker Salvatore DiMasi, who has said he's skeptical of the 'casino culture.'

Reps. Brian Wallace and Martin Walsh, both Boston Democrats, are joining with Patrick to find the necessary 81 votes for House approval. Wallace told The Associated Press that he's counted at least 30 votes in favor, possibly 40.

'We are looking to educate some of the membership,' he said.

Wallace said they have tentatively scheduled for early next month a one-day symposium in which national casino experts will talk to House members.

A key argument will be that the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe plans to go ahead with some gaming which is already allowed under state law. The tribe, which owns land in Middleborough, needs no approval to open a facility with bingo-style slots, which look similar to regular slots.

'I don't think people fully understand that if we say no to this plan, we are still going to have class 2 gaming in Massachusetts,' Wallace said. 'Let's be the guys who run the show, rather than following. We need to set the parameters here.'

Senate President Therese Murray has already indicated she supports casinos. Neither Murray nor DiMasi commented on the bill early Thursday, as it still hadn't been filed.

Patrick estimates three casinos would generate $450 million in annual tax revenue and 20,000 jobs.

The legislation carves out three geographic areas that would each get one license, and preference would be given to any entity that partners with a Massachusetts Indian tribe, a source who was familiar with details of the governor's plan told The AP. The bill also requires local approval by a host community.