Gaming Bill passes Massachusetts House
April 15, 2010,by Jack Ginnetti
Marlborough, MA — After a third and final reading, the Massachusetts House of Representatives passed House Speaker Robert DeLeo’s proposed gaming bill Wednesday (April 14) by a tally of 127-30.
The vote paves the way for the bill to be sent to the Senate. It calls for 3,000 slot machines for the state’s four racing facilities and two resort type casinos. The plan calls for 7,500 slot machines at Plainridge, Suffolk Downs, Wonderland, and Raynham.
“Plainridge, like most racetracks, has seen a declining interest in live horse racing as customes have shown an increasing preference for slot machines,” said Plainridge President Gary Piontkowski.
Piontkowski stated that Speaker DeLeo’s proposal to expand gaming at the state’s four racetracks is a job saving bill for 1,200 Massachusetts workers, with the opportunity to create 600 more jobs. Speaker DeLeo has said in the past the gaming plan is all about jobs and getting people back to work.
Piontkowski contends that expanded gaming done right can provide a sustainable form of revenue for the state, preserve jobs and create new ones for unemployed workers looking to political leaders for a chance to earn a decent living again.
- 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.
- Senate slots hearing leads to schedule change at Plainridge (Thursday, June 03, 2010)
The Tuesday card at Plainridge will be postponed a day to allow horsemen and Plainridge employees to attend a vital legislative hearing.
- Massachusetts House and Senate confer on gaming bill (Tuesday, July 06, 2010)
With the Massachusetts House and Senate now having their own bills on expanded gaming, the fate of slots at the state’s four racetracks now moves to the critical stage: conference committee.