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
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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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