Miceli Supports New Casino Gambling Law (poll)

(Editor's note: The following information was provided by the office of state Rep. Jim Miceli, D-Wilmington.)

expressed his support for a Casino Gambling bill approved by the Legislature and signed into law this week by Gov. Deval Patrick.

“This is first and foremost a jobs bill,” said Miceli.  “It will bring economic growth and local aid that is critical and create good construction jobs.”

 The gaming conference report approved by Senate and the House also provides state revenue from a 25 percent tax on casinos revenues and 40 percent tax on the slot facility revenues.  The revenues will be used to fund essential state and local services, including public safety, education, transportation, public health, debt reduction, local aid and the stabilization “rainy day” fund.

 Licensing fees collected by the state would also be used for community mitigation, local capital projects, community colleges, tourism and other municipal needs.

The new law will allow for the construction of three resort-style casinos, as well as one slots parlor.

 Open bidding for the licenses will start at 85 million for a casino license and at 25 million for the slot facility. 

 “Casino gambling is by no means a solution to our economic problems," said Miceli, “but it will certainly help at this time.”

 Careful attention was made for provisions requiring the Gaming Commission to work with municipalities on reducing potential negative effects.  No gaming facility would be built without the approval of the residents of the community in a referendum vote.

State Rep. Paul Adams, R-Andover, and state Sen. Barry Finegold, D-Andover, both opposed the Casino Gambling law when it was before the Legislature.