News
Bay State’s jobless rate higher than region’s
The Massachusetts unemployment rate is higher than the New England average, and above all the region's other states except Rhode Island, new federal data showed. Read more
Massachusetts on sidelines as Foxwoods, Mohegan revenues rise
After more than a year of declining revenue, Connectict’s casinos saw an uptick last month that left Bay State casino proponents blasting another missed opportunity on Beacon Hill. Read more
Federal dough raises odds of casino bill passage
In a move that could reignite Bay State hopes for casinos and slots, House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo indicated yesterday he’s mulling calling back lawmakers to Beacon Hill to approve a $655 million federal aid package. Read more
Casino bill not totally off table
Though the odds remain long, casino gambling and slots at the state’s race tracks might not be a losing bet after all as lawmakers could get another spin at the wheel, thanks to a federal cash windfall. Read more
Debate on use of US funds could revive casino talks
Like Wile E. Coyote, the gambling bill just will not die. Read more
For builders, workers, towns, casino loss stings
The failure to pass an expanded gambling bill has left its supporters seething. Read more
Mass. Governor Rejects Casino Bill, Giving Foxwoods, Mohegan Sun A Reprieve
A disagreement between Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick and the state's legislature over slot machine parlors could hand Connecticut's casinos yet another reprieve from formidable new competition in the Bay State. Read more
Thomas M. Menino to pols: Don’t fold on casinos
Mayor Thomas M. Menino joined union leaders yesterday in calling on lawmakers to return to the table after Gov. Deval Patrick slashed slots from the casinos bill - a move House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo said effectively kills expanded gaming in the Bay State. Read more
Patrick rescinds compromise offer
Governor Deval Patrick sent a proposal to license three resort-style casinos back to the Legislature yesterday, stiffening his opposition to the gambling bill passed by lawmakers and rescinding his earlier offer to approve slot machines at one facility as part of a compromise. Read more
Therese Murray: Gov. Patrick should sign bill and ‘declare victory’
Senate President Therese Murray advised Gov. Deval Patrick on Sunday to sign the gambling bill lawmakers sent him late Saturday night and declare a “great victory” because, she said, the legislation allows the governor to sanction resort casinos while blocking the racetrack slot machines he opposes. Read more
Patrick’s stand on casinos a gamble
As the casino resorts he once championed teetered closer to defeat yesterday, Governor Deval Patrick was walking a tightrope between two important parts of his base: liberals, many of whom were horrified at the prospect of casino gambling in the state; and labor unions, which view resort casinos as a major source of new jobs. Read more
A casino deal, but Patrick balks
After decades of debate and a month of contentious backroom haggling, key lawmakers agreed on a gambling bill yesterday that would authorize three Las Vegas-style casinos and a pair of slot parlors at the state’s racetracks. But even as the House and Senate prepared to vote on the measure today, Governor Deval Patrick has vowed to reject it. Read more
Hopes rise for deal on casinos
State legislative leaders, downbeat for days about the prospects of reaching a compromise on legislation to expand gambling, were more optimistic late yesterday that a deal was within reach. Read more
Senate leader: Casino bill still alive
The clock is ticking on legalizing casinos in Massachusetts, and with three days to the end of the legislative session, state Senate President Therese Murray says there's still time to reach a compromise. Read more
Gambling proposals still on the table
After a tense of week of on-again, off-again talks, Massachusetts legislative leaders were moving toward compromise in their discussions on casino gambling, lawmakers said last night. Read more
Reinstein: Casino legislation is progressing
As Gov. Deval Patrick seems to be in the mood to sink the casino gambling ship, others closer to Revere are working behind the scenes to make sure it stays afloat. Read more
Tensions rise in gambling bill talks
Negotiations in the Legislature over expanded gambling reached a new boiling point last night as the Massachusetts House reported an impasse, according to two officials, and the state Senate said time is running short to reach a deal on the high-profile issue before the lawmaking session ends next week. Read more
Officials try a less fiery approach to casino debate
Beacon Hill lawmakers tried to tone down the rhetoric over expanded gambling yesterday, as divided legislative leaders met with Governor Deval Patrick. Read more
Senate votes for casino licensing
The Massachusetts Senate voted 25 to 15 last night for legislation licensing three resort-style casinos, bringing a Commonwealth once settled by Puritans closer than ever to Vegas-style gambling. On their eighth day of debate, senators waded through a final list of proposed amendments, clearing one hurdle for a possible casino in Fall River and requiring all casino developers and operators to ensure that they do not hire illegal immigrants. Read more
Senate amends gambling bill to ban smoking throughout casinos
You may be able to gamble away your fortune, but it wont go up in smoke. That was the message yesterday from the state Senate, which voted, 24 to 15, in favor of an amendment to expanded gambling legislation that would ban smoking in casinos. The vote was a rare rebuke for Senate leaders, who wanted to allow smoking in one-fourth of the floor space at the casinos. Read more
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On March 31st, over one thousand members of the labor trades, including union carpenters, electricians, ironworkers, plumbers, and painters, attended a rally outside the State House to garner support for a bill to be passed to allow gambling in the state of Massachusetts.
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