Governor Proposes Three Casinos for the State

BOSTON, Sept. 17 — Governor Deval Patrick previewed a proposal to license three resort-style casinos in Massachusetts and stated their tax revenues would help repair roads and bridges, provide tax relief to homeowners, and created 20,000 jobs.

Under the plan, there will be three 10-licenses offered for bid. At least one license is expected to be granted to an Indian tribe. The licensing fees should generate $600 million, and the projected tax revenues should be $400 million per year.

House speaker, Salvatore F. DiMasi, has opposed expanded gambling in the past as have many legislators. “We in the House remain skeptical,” Mr. DiMasi said in a statement. “But we will hear the governor out.”

If the Legislature approves the plan, the three casinos would be built in the metropolitan Boston region and in western and southeastern Massachusetts. The Mashpee Wampanoag tribe is proposing a $1 billion casino on land it owns in Middleborough. The operator of the Mohegan Sun Casino in Connecticut are preparing a proposal to build a casino in Palmer, located in western Massachusetts. The Boston Mayor Menino has stated support for a resort-style casino at the Suffolk Downs horse track.

Return to Massachusetts Casinos.