Lobbying by Mass. casino firms declines in 2012

BOSTON (AP) - By Steve LeBlanc

The gambling industry spent $2.3 million dollars lobbying Beacon Hill lawmakers in 2012, a drop from the $3.1 million spent by the industry in 2011.
  
A review of lobbying records by The Associated Press found that despite the decline, companies hoping to land one of the state's coveted casino license still poured hundreds of thousands into lobbying.
  
The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe topped the list in 2012, spending more than half a million dollars. Unlike other casino interests, the tribe is negotiating a compact with the state that must be approved by Gov. Deval Patrick and state lawmakers.
  
Second on the list is Sterling Suffolk Racecourse which spent nearly $244,000 lobbying in 2012.
 
With the approval of the state's gaming law in 2011, companies are now focused on obtaining one of the coveted casino licenses.