Casino bill could be ready by January

CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) - Massachusetts lawmakers are set to relaunch the issue of casino gambling at an Economic Development Committee hearing later this month. That's according to House Speaker Robert DeLeo, who spoke at the annual Chicopee Chamber of Commerce luncheon Wednesday.

At the event, DeLeo told 22News, legislators should have a comprehensive casino bill ready by January. "They'd like to learn a little bit more about it before they totally embrace it. But I do think they're very open-minded about it," he said.

DeLeo also said his focus over the next couple of months will be job creation.

Some local taxpayers believe casinos are the answer. "With the economy the way it is, it will help with jobs and it will help with revenue," said Neffertari Johnson of Springfield.

The town of Palmer has been eyed as the potential site of a casino resort in western Massachusetts. Opponents say it's a bad bet, noting road congestion and problems associated with gambling addiction.
 

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