Deval Patrick Files Casino Gambling Bill in Massachusetts

BOSTON, Massachusetts -- As reported by the Boston Globe: "Governor Deval Patrick will file a casino gambling bill today that gives him control of a seven-member gaming authority that would auction
  off licenses and regulate the casinos.

"The bill, which puts two elected officials on the new panel, is already drawing fire.

"Under the proposal, the state treasurer and the state auditor would sit on the board of what would be called the Massachusetts Gaming Control Authority. The five remaining members would be appointed by the governor.

"Treasurer Timothy P. Cahill and Auditor Joseph DeNucci said yesterday they were never asked by Patrick's administration what they thought of their potential involvement in the authority. While DeNucci welcomed the opportunity to serve, saying it is a good idea to have the state auditor overseeing casinos, Cahill disapproved of the makeup of the proposed panel.

"...In addition, Cahill, who is chairman of the State Lottery Commission, said it would not be appropriate for a lottery official to regulate casinos because slot machines and table games would compete with the lottery..."