WampaGate

 

By Peter Kenney 

 

Gov. Deval Patrick is unlikely to endorse casino gambling in the state and will defer to the Legislature, according to sources at the State House directly involved in the issue. Patrick is also expected to approve installation of slot machines at the state's four existing race tracks, according to the sources.

 

The latest confirmation of this came Tuesday during a conversation with a Beacon Hill source close to what is happening. Patrick had already deferred announcing his decision by weeks and speculation has intensified. A recent WBZ "scoop" that Patrick would announce his decision near Labor Day was rebuffed by his statement that he wanted to give the issue further consideration.

As of today, the governor's press office told this reporter that his decision should be announced "in two weeks or so."  No one in the administration is giving any hint as to his leanings. But influential members of the Legislature are predicting and seemingly hoping that Patrick will announce a decision of no casinos but expanded gaming at race tracks.

 

While many have pointed out that Patrick has it within his authority to approve casino gambling without approval from the Legislature, it is clear that owners of the race tracks are very concerned about competition from casinos.

 

There are also members of the Wampanoag tribe who have felt for some time that casino developers aren't to be trusted and that theirs is a complicated game designed solely to protect their own interests.

 

As one state legislator said of casinos, "This is not a done deal, not by a long shot. What do we say to the race track operators if we approve something that might put them out of business? There are 5,000 jobs there." 

One thing is certain: nothing is certain. If Patrick decides to punt to the Legislature, state lawmakers will deal with this complex issue. Labor unions, anti-gambling forces, the state lottery, anti-development lobbies, Indian tribes and huge global financial interests will collide in what we do so well in Massachusetts: political mayhem.