Massachusetts House and Senate confer on gaming bill
July 6, 2010,from Harness Tracks of America
Tucson, AZ — With the Massachusetts House and Senate now having their own bills on expanded gaming, the fate of slots at the state’s four racetracks, including HTA member Plainridge Racecourse, now moves to the critical stage: conference committee. A six-member committee is to be named today, and will meet in private closed session to discuss a compromise bill.
The Senate bill excludes track slots and provides for three casinos. The House bill approves two casinos and 750 slots at Plainridge and other tracks.
The bill faces scrutiny, and a possible veto, from Governor Deval Patrick, who favors the Senate version.
Related Articles:
- Gaming legislation to be filed in Massachusetts (Friday, March 05, 2010)
Gary T. Piontkowski, President of Plainridge Racecourse, today applauded Speaker DeLeo’s plan to file gaming legislation that includes the 100 acre horse track.
- Massachusetts House approves slots at tracks (Tuesday, April 13, 2010)
The Massachusetts House of Representatives passed a bill that would legalize slot machines at the state’s four racetracks and establish two other casinos.
- Gaming Bill passes Massachusetts House (Thursday, April 15, 2010)
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- Compromise gaming bill in Massachusetts (Friday, July 30, 2010)
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- Massachusetts Governor defies 73 percent vote (Monday, August 02, 2010)
The governor of Massachusetts, Deval Patrick, showed contempt for his legislature and his dislike for racing on Sunday, vowing to overturn the overwhelming 73 percent approval by the legislators of a gambling expansion calling for three casinos and two racinos, the latter to be won by bidding from the state’s four tracks.
- Plainridge cuts 157 — blames governor (Wednesday, August 04, 2010)
Gary Piontkowski, president and CEO of Plainridge Racecourse, announced the layoff of 57 track employees and 100 contractors’ employees working on a slots project, blaming Massachusetts governor Deval Patrick.
- Massachusetts slots dead for 2010 (Wednesday, August 25, 2010)
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