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.

More casinos??

Iowa's Racing and Gaming Commission is expected to discuss additional casino licenses at their March meeting. Specifically, expansion proponents claim that a second casino near the large Meskwaki Indian Casino resort in Tama would enhance the area as a destination resort. Meskwaki added a 52-space RV Park last year.

In llinois, the state's General Assembly is looking into expansion of gambling as a way to fund bridge, schools and road construction. However, the idea is already facing stiff opposition. Two Casino RV Parks, popular with travelers, are located in Illinois -- Casino Queen in East St. Louis (convenient to I-70/I-55) and Empress RV Park in Joliet (convenient to I-80.)

Massachussetts Governor Deval Patrick is still looking for support for his proposal to license three resort casinos. He recently announced that more than $100 million in casino licensing fees would be passed along to financially-strapped cities and towns in the state in order to cover budget shortfalls. The state does not currently have any casinos.