Casinos.co.uk: Casino News Archive
Wednesday 23rd January 2008
Massachusetts Casino Bill Re-Energised
In America, the Governor for the eastern state of Massachusetts, Deval Patrick, is re-energising his controversial campaign to obtain legislative support for three land casinos for the state.
The proposed casino legislation also contains a clause banning online gambling in what is seen by many as a protectionist measure for the proposed new land gambling venues.
Since the start of the year, Governor Patrick has met with labour unions, mayors and other would-be beneficiaries in hopes of pressuring state lawmakers with election year politics playing a part.
According to The Boston Globe newspaper, the Democrat Governor held strategy sessions with top advisers in the first days of the New Year leading to the planning of several events around the state.
'Everyone is energised,' said Representative Brian Wallace, a Boston Democrat and proponent of the casino legislation.
'Before, it was on the backburner.'
Wallace revealed that the Governor is in discussions with union and land gambling industry representatives over whether to create a formal coalition that would pay for television and radio advertisements.
Patrick's proposal, which he claims would raise $400 million a year in additional tax revenues, has evoked strong debate in the State Legislature and the media. The state’s House Of Representatives rejected a bill to expand legalised gambling two years ago and many Representatives remain opposed to casinos, stating that the move would alter the cultural and intellectual character of Massachusetts.
Source:OnlineCasinoNews
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