Casinos Coming To Massachusetts
Gov. Deval Patrick signed a bill today that allows for up to three "resort-style" casinos and one slots facility in Massachusetts.
Patrick's signature completes a legislative process that fell short in 2010 and in previous years. In statements released today, lawmakers placed heavy emphasis on the millions of dollars in revenue the state would receive and the thousands of jobs that would be created through the construction and operation of the casinos, and stressed that casinos alone will not be the solution to the state's economic recovery.
Owners of each of the three casinos will pay a minimum of $85 million for a license and the law requires that they spend at least $500 million on the facilities, which must include a hotel.
Milford and Charlton are among the Central Massachusetts locations where developers hope to win a license. But they will face heavy competition from Boston, which the legislation lumps into the same geographic region as Worcester County and the MetroWest area. In addition, the owners of the Mohegan Sun casino in Connecticut want to put up a casino in Palmer, just a few miles west of Worcester County on the Massachusetts Turnpike.
A five-member gaming commission that would oversee licensing will be appointed within three months, the governor's office said.
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