Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick has welcomed a new bill to legalise casinos in the US state.
The new bill released by the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies sets out plans to license three large-scale casinos and a fourth gambling facility with up to 1,250 slot machines.
Each casino would be permitted to operate 24 hours a day and must feature a hotel. Developers would be required to invest a minimum of $500m in each project.
The state treasury would be in line to receive 25 per cent of casino revenue and a further 40 per cent from the slot parlour.
“If done right, expanded gaming in Massachusetts can create jobs, generate new revenue and spur other economic growth in the state,” said Patrick. “The bill being considered places appropriate limits on the expansion of gaming, requires open and transparent bidding, maintains a voice for local communities and provides resources to address public health and safety – all principles I have insisted be part of any gaming bill I support.”
The details of the bill are believed to have been thrashed out by the Governor and the leaders of the House and Senate, suggesting that this proposed legislation stands a good chance of being passed when it goes to the floor.
