Massachusetts Casino Gambling Likely Delayed Past New Year

Legislators in Massachusetts have been heralding the coming of casino gambling for some time, but now it's being said any new law will likely have to wait until 2010.

Governments that insisted they were desperate for revenues to fund essential services are seeming to find endless detours on the route to expanding gambling to create those revenues, and Massachusetts is no exception. State House Speaker Robert DeLeo, a gaming supporter, is now saying that a new law licensing casinos in Massachusetts probably won't be finished until after the holidays.

DeLeo released the statement after a meeting with Senate President Therese Murray and Governor Deval Patrick. All three have announced support for the use of casinos and gambling to generate state revenue.

But, just as a national bill by Representative Barney Frank of Massachusetts regulating online gambling is delayed by the need to first address the economy, so too does the state measure find itself blocked by more urgent concerns. Patrick says the casino debate shouldn't be engaged while attention is still needed to focus on economic recovery.

DeLeo did say a public hearing would be held in October, to answer questions as to what gaming options lawmakers are examining and measure public concerns.

DeLeo says too many alternatives need to be discussed to properly prepare a bill for the fall agenda. The number of licensed casinos, where they would be placed, tax rates, and the suggestion to locate slots at race tracks all are to be considered.