Under the tentative compromise, three casino resorts would be allowed for three geographic zones.
This is an updated version of a story posted at 11:18 this morning.
BOSTON – Legislative leaders on Beacon Hill have struck a deal for casino gambling and were scheduled to hold a press conference Friday afternoon on Beacon Hill to unveil details, legislators and officials said.
Under the tentative compromise, three casino resorts would be allowed for three geographic zones, including one in the four counties of Western Massachusetts, legislators said. Also, the state’s four racetracks would bid for two licenses for slot machines, legislators said.
Several media outlets are reporting the preliminary agreement.
“Things still remain a bit in flux but the strong likelihood is we’re going to have three casinos designated by region just like the Senate bill,” said Sen. Stephen J. Buoniconti, D-West Springfield. “Then we’ll have two racinos. The four tracks will bid for two licenses for slots.”
Buoniconti said he would vote in favor of such a bill.
“I can,” he said. “The big issue for me has been getting a destination casino for Western Mass. This will give us the direct ability to do that and to benefit from this bill. By designating a zone, Western Mass. will get a casino. Wherever it goes, who knows right now? But at least we’re in the game.”
The Mohegan Sun of Connecticut is planning to bid for a license to build up to a $600 million casino resort in Palmer.
David Falcone, a spokesman for the Senate president, said a press conference is planned for later Friday to reveal details.
Sen. Stanley C. Rosenberg, D-Amherst, declined to comment on specifics but said legislators are 80 percent finished with the drafting and 90 percent finished with the decisions on the bill.
“We’re almost there,” Rosenberg said. “We’re very very close.”
Senate Minority Leader Richard R. Tisei, R-Wakefield, said he would vote against the bill. Tisei said it would be more reasonable to start with one casino resort and see how it goes.
“This is way too much, way too quickly,” said Tisei, the Republican pick for lieutenant governor this year. “To do five gambling venues in the state all at once is going to have a lot of different repercussions.”
Tisei said he would vote to sustain a possible veto by Gov. Deval L. Patrick.
At a press conference Friday, Patrick reiterated that he supports just one possible racino.
Patrick opposed slots at the tracks, but announced on Thursday he would support one slot parlor if state legislators approve some key bills.
Patrick has said that slots at the tracks won’t produce the longterm jobs with benefits that would be available at casino resorts.