Massachusetts Gambling Debate Hits Obstacles
Written by RogerCP | Sunday, June 27th, 2010
A casino bill that could see the state of Massachusetts develop a large casino resort has been put on hold for the second time this week. Senate rules were used to end the debate on the controversial casino bill after three days of meetings.
After just five hours of debate on Friday, Senate Minority Leader Richard R. Tisei (Republican) used his powers to end the session. Tisei is seeking to use some of the revenues from the planned casinos to provide property tax relief, however his attempts were opposed by Senate Democrats. Tisei therefore countered by postponing the debate twice last week.
Last week, the Senate managed to reach a consensus that $600 million would be earmarked for construction costs for a casino in Western Massachusetts. This is in line with the amount decided for two other casino resorts proposed to be built in the state, and comes in the form of an amendment proposed by Senator Gale D. Candaras.
The Senate had previously approved $400 million for the third casino as it considered the consumer market in that area smaller than the other two.
“I felt very strongly that there had to be equity,” Candaras said. “I wanted to make sure that we in the western part of the state had the same investment the other two regions would enjoy.”
Operators who wish to bid for the rights to the Western Massachusetts casino would see the original costs of $50 million rise to $75 million in onetime licensing fees.
“While the total investment will be dictated by the final legislation, we are comfortable with the licensing fee and minimum $600 million investment established by the Senate,” said the CEO of the Connecticut based Mohegan Sun which seeks to build one of the casinos in Palmer. “We look forward to the final bill and to submitting a proposal that will bring substantial jobs and economic growth to Western Massachusetts and the entire commonwealth.”
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