As Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick, the State House and the State Senate try to come to some sort of compromise concerning the Bay State’s gambling expansion bill, local governments seem to have differing opinions on the subject.
As with any issue, some are for and some are against. When it comes to gambling legislation in Massachusetts, there is a third obstacle.
In the case of Beverly Mayor Bill Scanlon and Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll, these local leaders both appear to want casino gaming in the state; however, their contrast comes down to how they think the State of Massachusetts should impose the new legislation.
While both look to gambling as a way to help boost revenue and curve the economic struggles each of their respective communities are facing, Scanlon supports the House’s plan to allow slot machines at the state’s racetracks and Driscoll backs the Senate’s proposal to focus on resort-style casinos.
They, of course, agree that any casino gambling expansion bill will help their cities. Like many other local leaders, both have said that they would settle on either idea being considered on Beacon Hill.
Massachusetts has to be very careful that their stalemate in the statehouse on a “yes” vote for gambling does not turn into a no gaming legislation pass what so ever.






