In August, Massachusetts state officials filed a gaming bill that would allow for three casinos and a slot parlor. Last week, Rep. Dan Winslow argued in favor of an intra-state online poker amendment that would benefit the state beyond what the proposed brick-and-mortar properties could offer in terms of high-tech jobs and tax revenue.
Now, it appears that the state will seriously consider introducing the legislation, after the original bill was passed by the House by an overwhelming vote of 123 to 32. Although, Winslow’s amendment wasn’t included in the final version of the bill, there was language added to ensure that the gaming commission will develop a future model for legislation. In order to become law, the proposal must still pass the Senate and Governor Deval Patrick also has the power to veto any potential legislation.
The proposal would require the Massachusetts Gambling Commission to issue up to five online poker licenses to proposed casinos by July of 2012.
