Mass. House Wades Back Into Casino, Slots Debate
BOSTON — House lawmakers are set to continue debating a bill to license two resort-style casinos in Massachusetts and allow up to 3,000 slot machines at the state’s four race tracks.
The bill was filed by Democratic Speaker Robert DeLeo, who is trying to persuade House lawmakers to support the plan. Just two years ago, the House voted overwhelmingly to defeat a bill filed by Gov. Deval Patrick to license three resort-style casinos.
On Tuesday, lawmakers spent 11 hours debating some of the more than 200 proposed amendments, beating back one proposal calling for a public hearing on the bill.
DeLeo is hoping for a two-thirds vote on the bill to withstand a potential veto by Patrick, who opposes slot machines at the race tracks.
Patrick has not said whether he would veto the bill.
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