DeLeo Now Supports Resort Casinos

House Speaker and Winthropite Robert DeLeo backed a proposal for resort-style casinos this morning. While he has supported expanded gambling in the past, his emphasis was on installing slot machines at racetracks instead of building resort-style casinos, including amenities such as shops, golf courses, and hotels. He now supports the construction of resort-style casinos to help pull Massachusetts out of its recession.

"Given the importance of economic development as well as the vital need for revenue, I have expanded my thinking," said DeLeo this morning in a speech to 300 members of the Associated Industries of Massachusetts. "In addition to my backing of slots, I now support resort casinos." In addition, DeLeo said "we will site gaming facilities in a way that reflects the geographic diversity of our state" and they would be "one more tool that can help our state prosper."