On Tuesday, November 22, Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick signed expanded gaming legislation into law which will see up to three resort casinos erected and an openly-bid slots-only facility that can be located
anywhere in the state.
A report on bostonherald.com quoted Gov. Patrick as saying, "Expanded gaming in Massachusetts, for me, is about creating jobs," before he signed the bill.
He was also quoted as saying, "I am pleased to sign this bill today and proud of the work my team and the Legislature has done to bring it to this point."
The report explains that the state will now be looking to create a state gaming commission, the members of which will be selected after much scrutiny.
The article also states that the successful bidders for a casino license will be required to pay an $85-million fee and pledge to invest $500 million in their facilities, while the winner of the slots license would be required to pay a $25 million licensing fee and invest $125 million in a facility.
The taxing of the gaming venues are currently said to be divided amongst transportation infrastructure, local aid, anti-addiction services, the arts, racehorse development, health care reform efforts, and public safety, according to the report.
(With files from bostonherald.com)
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