DeLeo Wants to Keep Online Gambling in Massachusetts Illegal
House Speaker Robert DeLeo is not hurting for any supporters in his aim to try to bring land-based casinos to the state of Massachusetts. One of his biggest and most influential supporters is state Governor Duval Patrick. However, the governor is not in favor of the latest effort from DeLeo.
Recently DeLeo introduced a bill that would bring 2 brand new casinos to Massachusetts. The racing industry in the state, which is really going through major financial problems, may get a huge economic boost, as, in the bill, they would be allowed to have slot machines installed at the racetrack. However, that is where the support for the bill ends. Patrick is not a happy camper, to say the least, since there will not be any hearings in the public where the bill will be discussed. In the bill there is also wording that would make it illegal for residents of the state of Massachusetts to play poker for money over the Internet.
Massachusetts’s lawmakers have been discussing the expansion of gambling in the state for several months. Recently there has been quite a stir about the kind of legislation that DeLeo would be introducing. Unfortunately for him it does not look like the bill will get much backing from other politicians.
Governor Patrick has been trying to bring land-based casinos in Massachusetts since he became elected. His first try was blocked Salvatore DiMasi, who was the House Speaker in the state before DeLeo. DeMesi did everything in his power to block gambling in the state, as he was firmly against it. At the time he convinced other lawmakers in Massachusetts to vote in opposition of the proposal Patrick brought forth.
There looked as if there would be some momentum this year towards having gambling expanded in the state. DeLeo, Patrick, and Senate President Therese Murray are all for gambling expansion. However, all three do not see eye-to-eye as how the expansion in the state should occur.
The Internet gambling industry will keep a close eye on the bill in Massachusetts that is up for debate. There are many states in America that are looking into regulating and legalizing the online gambling industry. If DeLeo’s bill would pass it will be interesting to see how governments of other states look upon it and if they will follow the New England states’ lead.
The more states that regulate and legalize online gambling the more likely it is that it will happen on the national level.
