Mass. Senate rejects slot proposal at tracks

BOSTON, Massachusetts -- As reported by The Boston Globe: "The Senate this afternoon voted resoundingly to defeat a proposal to allow the state's four racetracks to install slot machines -- for now.

"The plan would have allowed the tracks to add 2,500 slot machines each, which could have brought in new revenue to help cities and towns offset cuts to local aid.

"...The proposal, which came as an amendment to the state budget, was defeated by a 31-to-6 vote. Click here for a roll call.

"...The Senate also voted, 29 to 8, against a proposal to delay by two years the implementation of a new law banning dog racing on Jan. 1, 2010. The law, approved by voters in November as part of a ballot initiative, will effectively close two racetracks, Wonderland Greyhound Racetrack in Revere and the Raynham-Taunton Greyhound Park.

"...And while almost every Senate Democrat voted against the slots proposal, they made clear that they weren't against gambling, only against dealing with it quickly as part of the budget..."