Massachusetts nixes casino proposal

A proposal from Gov. Duval Patrick that would have cleared the way for three destination casinos in Massachusetts was voted down by the legislature last week. Industry heavyweights such as Harrahs, Vegas Sands and Wynn Resorts had expressed interest in operating casino resorts in the state. But, the state's House of Representatives turned down any commercial gambling by an overwhelming margin. However, the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe, located in Massachusetts, could still move ahead with gaming on their tribal lands.

Meanwhile, in Kentucky, a special subcommittee in that state's legislature has recommended a proposed constitutional amendment that would allow nine casinos to be licensed in Kentucky. Free standing casinos would require voter referendums in the cities or counties where they would be located, similar to the way gaming was introduced in Kansas and Iowa. The continuing interest in gambling expansion does make one wonder whether the market for gaming will ever reach a saturation point.