BOSTON - Even if Gov. Deval Patrick's casinos plan failed last week, the debate on gambling is not over on Beacon Hill.
Since the House overwhelmingly rejected Patrick's bill, local legislators are hoping for a debate on legalizing slot machines at the state's four racetracks.
But the legislation, which would allow slot machines at Plainridge Racecourse in Plainville, is uncertain.
Although House Speaker Salvatore DiMasi assured state Rep. Richard Ross, R-Wrentham, that the bill would get a hearing, nothing has been scheduled yet. "I haven't heard anything new," said Ross.
Ross has been at the center of the issue after he changed his vote on the governor's plan to build three casinos in the state. He voted against the legislation as a member of the Committee on Economic Development in a 10-8 vote against the bill, and killing it before an open debate on the House floor.
The casinos' plan did not include slot machines at tracks, and Patrick had said he would veto such legislation.
Plainridge owner Gary Piontkowski opposed Patrick's stand and lobbied Ross for his support against the casinos and for the slots. "The governor didn't have any specific consideration for the slots; that's why I was not able to continue supporting the governor," Ross said.
Ross thinks that the slots bill has a chance now.
Rep. David Flynn, D-Bridgewater, filed legislation in 2006 to legalize slot machines that passed the Senate but failed in the House a 100-55 vote.
Flynn is now hopeful for better success, citing last week's events and the gloomy economic picture for the 2009 budget. Supporters say legalizing slot machines would be a quick and simple way to bring new revenues to the state.
"This is a strong message to the governor and to the speaker that this is the only compromise that would give the commonwealth hundreds of millions of dollars in a short period of time," said Flynn. "In 110 days, the slot machines are ready to run. For the casinos to be ready to run, it takes several years."
Flynn said the slots plan would yield $200 million in licensing revenues and $400 million annually from the state's four racetracks.
But other legislators have their doubts about Flynn's bill.
"I don't think there are any chances for it," said Rep. John Lepper, R-Attleboro. "It will not pass because the state is opposed to it."
Lepper pointed out that there may not even be a debate on the topic.
"Are we actually going to vote on the issue or are we going to be put in a position where we will not directly vote?" said Lepper. "We are supposed to be debating and we're not because the speaker is so powerful. It will be just like the casinos bill."
Last week's vote on the casinos plan was on the question of whether to accept or reject and not on the bill itself, killing any chances for any amendments on the bill.
A similar situation may happen in the case of the slot machines bill, depending on the House speaker's willingness to open debate in the House.
Ross said DiMasi hasn't made any commitment on the issue, even though he promised to have a hearing on the bill. DiMasi's office did not return a call from The Sun Chronicle.
Rep. Jay Barrows, R-Mansfield, wrote it off to politics. He also doubts the chances for slots legislation.
"Some wanted to convince influential people to kill the casinos bill to bring a debate on the slots," he said. "But I don't know whether or not there will be an open debate on it or if they will try to kill it before it's discussed."
If legislators hope for a debate, it's because most of them are waiting to see the bill's specifics.
"I guess I don't know how I will vote because I am not sure how the revenues will be distributed," Barrows said. "If there are direct benefits for cities and towns through local aid I will be more supportive than for the casinos bill."
Sen. Scott Brown, R-Wrentham, who has been a vocal supporter of the slots, said that he will make his decision only after seeing the bill. He said he will support it if there are any benefits for Plainville.
"The economic picture for the commonwealth has changed," said Ross. "We need to be sensitive to local aid, if this is a way to be able to capture revenues."
Ross thinks the bill stands a better chance if it can be ensured money will go to cities and towns.
The Republican caucus will meet next week. Barrows said that the issue will be discussed to try to find a consensus among Republicans.
The only local representative openly opposed to the slots, and legalized gambling, is Rep. Steve D'Amico, D-Seekonk.
He said legalizing slot machines would open the way for the Wampanoag tribe to get a casino. He also said any gambling legislation would take advantage of gambling addicts.
"Massachusetts' advantage is intellectual," he said. "We should look to build our future on our strengths, and not on our weaknesses."
