"We’re seeing hundreds of millions of dollars spent by our residents going to Connecticut and Rhode Island," Murray said. "So I think it definitely is inevitable."
A spokesman said that Murray reckons both a vote on casinos and the facilities themselves are foregone conclusions, but did not offer a specific timeframe.
According to Murray, on the question of whether she supports slots, or major facilities, she “supports destination casinos. But that’s only my own opinion."
Former House Speaker Salvatore DiMasi didn’t want to create a "casino culture" in Massachusetts. The House last session rejected Gov. Deval Patrick’s bill calling for “three resort casinos” on a 108-46 vote.
The promotion this session of House Speaker Robert DeLeo, who supports casinos and slot machines at racetracks, has made gambling proponents enthusiastic about their prospects..
Political leaders have said a vote would occur next year. Just nine months into the session, the legislature still hasn’t scheduled a public hearing on gambling bills, though one is expected later this month.
Murray said the Senate was examining the state’s smorgasbord of economic development agencies and said they could be ripe for consolidation and cost-savings.
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