Duval Patrick May Fight for Casino Bill Revival - 05-13-08

May 13 - Not one to admit defeat very easily, the Governor of Massachusetts, Deval Patrick has told the public that he is seriously considering reviving his efforts to introduce casinos into the state. His bid was rejected earlier this year after being challenged by tough gambling opponents, including House Speaker Salvatore DiMasi.

Patrick told the Brookline Chamber of Commerce that the revival of his bill may be on the cards very soon. "There's a lot of interest in it and issues that die in one session don't die a permanent death," he said. "They tend to come back over time."

It has been rumored that Patrick is trying to bring back the bill because his toughest opponent, Salvatore DiMasi may be stepping down as House Speaker. At the time, DiMasi claimed that any financial benefits that would come out of casino revenues would be offset by increased social problems and the loss of income at other non-gambling tourist destinations in the state.

However, Patrick said that DiMasi's possible departure had nothing to do with his renewed efforts. He stated that more pressing issues were the reason, such as the fact that the state was in dire need of funds that could be generated through revenue from casino resorts that would be made legal through the passing of the bill. Other issues such as Massachusetts citizens' need for tax relief, efforts by the Wanpanoag Indians to build their own casino, and the possibility of slot machines at race tracks around the state, were also driving his efforts.

It should be remembered that Patrick's bill was also met by fierce resistance by certain elements of the pro-gambling public as well. The original bill called for the explicit prohibition of online gambling, a fact that led to protests by poker groups and other interest groups.

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