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Horse Racing in Massachusetts

The future of gambling in Massachusetts is coming to the fore on Beacon Hill.

Friday, lawmakers declined to extend "simulcasting" rights at the state's four horse-and dog- tracks. It means people can no longer place bets on races happening at tracks around the world.

This week, House lawmakers are expected to vote on whether to allow slot machines at tracks. The Senate has already voted in favor of it.

The horse racing industry in Massachusetts has been lobbying to legalize slot machines for the last decade, a move that many believe would help save languishing race tracks and generate as much as $350 million for the state.

It is a contentious issue, hard fought on both sides, and the fate of horse racing in Massachusetts may come right down to the finish. Reporter Keith O'Brien has the story.

This program aired on April 3, 2006. The audio for this program is not available.

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