Casino Gambling Debate Heats Up On Beacon Hill

As Gov. Deval Patrick details budget cuts to bridge the $600 million budget gap Thursday, legislators also hold major hearings on casino gambling in Massachusetts.

There are claims the state could take in more than $200 million a year from casinos. That's according to Rep. Brian Dempsey, who co-chairs the committee that's hearing testimony on gambling Thursday.

Kathleen Norbut, of the group United To Stop Slots In Massachusetts, said not all lawmakers believe that estimate.

"People have common sense, and they're able to see that those revenues and those promises, that rainbow with the pot of gold, is just an illusion," Norbut said.

Still, casinos are gaining momentum. They have the backing of Gov. Deval Patrick and Beacon Hill leadership. Even with the passionate anti-gambling testimony expected Thursday, it is expected the House will debate a casino bill early next year.