Mass. Senate Resumes Gambling Debate

This report was compiled by Pippin Ross for WBUR.

THE STATE HOUSE — On Beacon Hill, the state Senate resumes debate on the expanded gambling bill Thursday, after a day of sifting through various amendments Tuesday. Among those that passed is a requirement that slot machines have the odds of winning posted on them.

Except for a few minor details, the legislation appears to be a done deal.

The fact that $1.2 billion a year is spent by Massachusetts residents at other states' casinos is why after years of trying, expanded gambling is very likely to become law.

Sen. Stanley Rosenberg, who was opposed to expanded gambling until now, said he finally supports its passage.

"This bill, compared to bills that have been put in place in 38 other states across the country, has the strongest protections for communities and cultural institutions and addiction services and neighboring communities that you'll find anywhere in the country," Rosenberg said.

It's expected the bill will be cleared this week.