State Senate Begins Debate On Casino Legislation

The Massachusetts Senate on Wednesday afternoon begins floor debate on its version of a bill to license three resort-style casinos spread throughout three regions of the state.

The bill will be held up in the Senate for as long as three days, however, as senators have offered 164 amendments to the legislation.

The amendments could affect all aspects of gambling in Massachusetts, from the availability of alcohol and the ability to smoke at casinos, to how the state should spend gambling revenues.

Additional amendments call for studies to be done on the potential effects of expanded gambling on the state and its citizens.

"Perhaps those studies should have been done before Massachusetts opens the door to casino gambling," said state Sen. Susan Tucker, who opposes the bill.

Senate President Therese Murray supports the bill, and the House passed its version in April.

A Senate vote is expected by the end of the week.