The Massachusetts Legislature has given final approval to expanded gaming legislation allowing three resort casinos in separate regions of the state and one openly-bid slot facility.  The final bill included two amendments sponsored by Senator Sal DiDomenico aimed at protecting the small business community.

The first of these amendments adds a small business owner from a host community and a local chamber of commerce representative to the community mitigation subcommittee of the Governor’s Gaming Advisory Committee.  The second amendment requires that the commission complete internal research on the impact of casinos on area small business growth and development.

“As Chairman of the Joint Committee on Community Development and Small Business, I wanted to ensure that small businesses had a sustained role and voice in casino planning and development,” said Senator DiDomenico.  “These were important amendments for both small businesses and our local communities.  I am grateful they were included in the final version of the gaming bill.”

This legislation is projected to provide 10,000 to 15,000 long-term jobs in the Commonwealth and generate hundreds-of-millions of dollars a year for the state.  It now goes to Governor Deval Patrick for his review and expected signature.