Massachusetts Lawmakers Meet to Discuss Gambling Bills
Written by Matt W | Monday, July 12th, 2010
Lawmakers in the Bay State are in a rush against time to reconcile two bills that will bring new gambling laws to Massachusetts. Legislators have until July 31 to reconcile two bills that were passed recently, which happen to conflict one another but still expand gambling in one way or another in the state. The bills were passed by the House of Representatives and the State Senate.
The six member team of legislators began meeting on July 6 to shape one unified bill from the separate proposals. The three senators and three representatives will need to send the new bill to state Governor Patrick before the end of the month, when the current legislative session expires.
One of the bills has the potential to see far reaching changes in Massachusetts gambling laws including the building of two new casinos and the introduction of over 3,000 new slot machines at racetracks across the state.
The state could see $260 million in upfront licensing fees, with each casino requiring private investment of $500 million. Racetracks would be required to invest $75 million each.
On the other hand, the other approved bill allows the issuing of one casino license in each of the three regions in the state, and makes no allowance for slot machines at racetracks.
Even if legislators manage to reach an agreement by the end of July, it is still not sure that Governor Patrick won’t use his powers to veto certain sections of it. In 2007, Patrick opposed the licensing of slot machines at racetracks, and he may do the same again.
A new bill, in any form, which expands gambling in the state, will be felt across the border as well, as thousands of Bay Staters regularly visit the two slots parlors in Rhode Island.
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· Written by Matt W · Filed Under Poker Gossip · Comments Off
