Mass. Senate Rejects Casino Referendums

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Senate has rejected an amendment to the casino gambling bill that would have required a citywide referendum on any casino proposed in Boston, Worcester or Springfield.

As currently written, the bill would require voter approval of casinos in communities with populations below 125,000. In the state's three largest cities, only voters who live in the neighborhood where the casino was proposed would have a vote.

Sen. Sonia Chang-Diaz, a Boston Democrat, argued that a casino would impact the entire city and that all voters should have a say. Her amendment was defeated Tuesday on a 27-11 vote.

The Suffolk Downs race track in East Boston has been mentioned as a possible casino location.

Secretary of State William Galvin had also urged senators to amend the bill to allow for a citywide referendum.