In a plan that could impact Connecticut's casinos, Massachusetts is now considering expanding gambling in the state.
Currently Massachusetts only has the state lottery and four race tracks, but Gov. Deval Patrick proposed big plans on Monday.
In an announcement that could have a big financial impact in Connecticut, Patrick said he wants the Bay State to consider casino gambling.
"With that potential economic benefit, we cannot reject the gaming industry out of hand," he said.
Patrick said that casinos could generate thousands of jobs and billions in annual revenue for the state. The revenue would be important for the administration, which is looking to fund $1 billion for stem cell research and $1.4 billion for a new commuter rail line.
"We must accomplish all of this without putting an unfair burden on those in our community who have been hit hardest in the past few years by rising property taxes," Patrick said.
The plan calls for the approval of three casinos, which would be spread geographically around the state. Operators would bid on the rights to a casino license.
"Foxwoods was the first casino in New England and its owners, the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, have long acknowledged in public statements that competition would come," Foxwoods Resort Casino President John O'Brien said in a written statement. "It would be premature to predict the fate of the governor's proposal."
The Mohegan Indian tribe is praising Patrick's decision to support the development of Massachusetts casinos.
The Connecticut tribe and a developer want to build a $1 billion gaming resort in Palmer that would include up to 4,000 slot machines, a 600-room hotel and a giant retail center.
In a statement, Mohegan Tribal Chairman Bruce Bozsum and Northeast Realty's Leon Dragone, said they look forward to working with the governor.
They also said a casino in Palmer will serve as a "tremendous engine of economic growth" for western Massachusetts.
The Mohegans run the Mohegan Sun casino in Connecticut.
The Legislature still needs to approve expanded gambling before any casinos can open.
© 2008 by WFSB.com. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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