Voters could decide on Boston casino

2007-10-04 14:52:36

Voters should be given the chance to decide on one or more new casinos in Boston, according to Massachusetts governor Deval Patrick.

Next week, the governor's office will out forward casino legislation – complete with a local ballot requirement – to the legislature.

While there are no specific sites for a casino at present, it is thought that they could be built in the centre of Boston or in western or southern Massachusetts.

According to governor Patrick, the casinos could create up to 20,000 jobs and generate $2 billion every year, $450 million of which would provide tax revenue.

He brushed off concerns that new casinos could lead to a rise in problem gambling. "It is a problem, but it is a manageable one," he told reporters.

A Democrat, governor Patrick is the only serving African-American governor in the country.