Mass. Lawmakers Put Off Casino Debate Until Sept.

Massachusetts' top legislative leaders are putting off any casino gambling debate until after Labor Day.

Senate President Therese Murray and House Speaker Robert DeLeo released a joint statement Wednesday saying lawmakers need more time to craft a bill and the public will need time to analyze it and offer comment before it can be voted on.

DeLeo had earlier said he hoped to get a bill onto Gov. Deval Patrick's desk by the end of July.

The two Democrats point to other top bills making their way through the Legislature, including an overhaul of the state's courts and a bill creating the crime of human trafficking in Massachusetts.

Murray and DeLeo said lawmakers are committed to debate a casino bill in September, saying expanded gambling could bring in needed jobs and revenue.