Casino Hearings Underway On Beacon Hill

BOSTON (AP) -- A Massachusetts legislative committee is hearing testimony from supporters and opponents of casino gambling.

The hearing Wednesday comes about nine months after an attempt to bring resort-style casinos to the state fell apart. Gov. Deval Patrick and House Speaker Robert DeLeo disagreed over slot machines at the state's racetracks.

WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Mark Katic reports

The panel is hearing from lawmakers, state officials, union leaders, racetrack owners and recovering gambling addicts.

Patrick did not testify, but Secretary of Economic Development Gregory Bialecki (Bee-ah-LEH'-kee) said the governor continues to support three destination casinos and believes that potential developers could line up the necessary funding to build them.

Patrick opposes no-bid slot parlors. Attorney General Martha Coakley said if casinos are approved, the state should have strong regulation and tougher laws to prevent organized crime from gaining a foothold in the industry.

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