PLAINVILLE -- Difficult fiscal conditions and new leadership in the House is reviving hopes for legalized gambling in Massachusetts.

Area politicians said Thursday that the departure of House Speaker Thomas Finneran from the Legislature removes one of the major obstacles to casinos and slot machines.

The state's lingering budget problems provide an incentive to create new sources of revenue, they added.

Plainville Selectman Robert Rose said that, judging from his conversations with lawmakers, there seems to be a renewed interest in gambling.

`` I think it has legs this time,'' Rose said, while cautioning that previous attempts have failed.