NEWS
Massachusetts speaker, gambling foe, resigns
Posted: Saturday, January 31, 2009 2:27 PM
by Steve Myrick
Sal DiMasi, powerful speaker of the Massachusetts House of Representatives and a staunch opponent of expanded gambling, resigned under a cloud of ethics questions and investigations on January 27.
His resignation throws open the possibility of expanding gambling that could lead to gaming machines or a full-scale casino at Suffolk Downs.
Robert DeLeo, a state representative from a district that borders Suffolk Downs, was elected to the position of speaker. He has advocated for slots at Suffolk and three other pari-mutuel facilities in past sessions, and indicated moments after his election he favors that plan, before moving forward with any casino proposals.
Talk of new gambling regulations was instantly revived with resignation of DiMasi.
Suffolk Downs officials have worked extensively, and spent hundreds of thousands of dollars for lobbying, to position the track for gaming machines or a resort casino.
Last year, Governor Deval Patrick estimated his casino proposal would generate $2-billion annually in state revenue and create 20,000 permanent jobs. But lawmakers say those estimates would be drastically revised if casino legislation is considered later this year.
Steve Myrick is a Massachusetts-based Thoroughbred Times correspondent
