Casinos now legal in Massachusetts

Governor Deval Patrick has signed a bill legalising casinos in Massachusetts, capping a five-year quest that he said will create thousands of jobs and generate hundreds of millions in revenues by dramatically expanding gambling in the state.

Patrick signed the historic measure at the Statehouse on Tuesday, cautioning that it would not be the solution to all of the state's economic problems, nor would it be the cause of all social ills.

The bill allows for up to three resort-style casinos and one slots parlour in the state.

Patrick's signing of the bill shifts control over the process of bringing casinos to Massachusetts to an as-yet-unnamed five-member gambling commission, whose members will all make more than US$100,000 a year.

The commission will have the power to approve or deny licenses for the casinos and slots parlour.

The governor said he hoped to appoint someone to chair the commission within the next few weeks. Patrick said he will cast as wide a net as possible to find the right person for the job.

He said the person he picks to head the commission must not only have the organisational and professional skills to oversee the ramping up of a new industry in the state, but must also be above reproach in integrity.

The signing of the new law is also expected to set off a scramble for the licences for the three casinos and one slots parlour.

House Speaker Robert DeLeo, a strong supporter of expanded gambling, said the casinos and slots parlour could add up to US$400 million to the state coffers annually when they are up and running.

He said it would be at least a year before the slots parlour could open. The casinos could take three or more years to open.

Approval of the bill came after five years of debate, including a failed attempt to pass a similar measure last year.

The bill represents the largest expansion of gambling in Massachusetts since the creation of the state lottery in 1971.