MASS. GOVERNOR SIDESTEPS HOUSE SPEAKER

7 March 2008

And holds meetings with tribal gambling aspirants, too


The increasingly bitter feuding in the Massachusetts state legislature over Governor Deval Patrick's intention to introduce land casinos to raise state revenue levels continued as the week progressed following surveys that cast doubt on the Governor's employment predictions (see previous InfoPowa report)

The issue is being following closely by online gambling observers because Governor Patrick's bill includes a clause that would seek to ban online gambling in the state, making players liable to punitive sentences of 2 years in the house of correction, a fine of $25 000, or both. Ironically, Patrick's H.4307 is pro-casino gambling legislation, yet it makes Internet gaming a crime.

This week Patrick further raised the ire of his chief critic, House Speaker Salvatore DiMasi, by writing directly to all the members of DiMasi's chamber. He criticised their leader for blasting his proposal to license three resort-style casinos after the revelation it might not create the 30 000 construction jobs Patrick had estimated.

Arguing that the "speaker's alternative" was zero jobs, Patrick wrote: "At a time of economic uncertainty, we must be proactive about proposing ideas and reforms that boost economic activity and create jobs. Attacking ideas without proposing sound alternatives is not good economic policy, nor what the public expects or deserves." He did, however, revise his employment numbers downward by 10 000 jobs.

DiMasi spokesman David Guarino said in response: "It's understandable that the governor is concerned since his numbers don't add up and he is losing credibility on this issue."

Meanwhile, aides to Governor Patrick huddled with members of the Mashpee Wampanoag Indian tribe on Tuesday as they sought common ground over plans to bring casino gambling to Massachusetts.

The tribe has expressed interest in applying for one of the Massachusetts casino licenses, but it presently is seeking federal recognition to build its own casino on a 540-acre site it has secured in Middleborough. Patrick has filed a challenge to the tribe's application, which could slow down the federal process, although administration officials are hoping the two sides can work together.

Among those attending the meeting were Dan O'Connell, secretary of economic development, and Shawn Hendricks, the tribe's chairman.

Afterward, Hendricks said the tribe would continue to work with the state but he ultimately thought the two sides would merge their efforts.

Online Casino News courtesy of InfoPowa