Casino panel weighs policy questions

BOSTON (AP) - Before the state gaming commission can begin awarding casino licenses, it must first come up with a set of rules and regulations for fully implementing the year-old expanded gambling law.

That process will begin on Tuesday with the first of several days of hearings to address dozens of "policy questions" raised by the new law, which allows up to three resort-style casinos and one slots parlor in Massachusetts.

For example, the law requires would-be casino developers to address any traffic or other concerns raised by surrounding communities. But it does not clearly state what constitutes a surrounding community.

Another question the commission is trying to answer is whether the regional casino licenses should be awarded simultaneously, or one at a time.

The panel is not expected to hand out licenses before early 2014.