Mass. budget proposal includes gambling revenue
Massachusetts budget proposal projects $83 million in casino licensing fees
BOSTON (AP) -- Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick's budget proposal for the next fiscal year is the first that counts on any revenue from the state's new gambling law.
Administration officials anticipate $83 million in licensing fees for up to three resort casinos and one slots parlor allowed under the 2011 law.
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has said it hopes to award the slots parlor license in late 2013 and the first casino licenses early next year. The state's fiscal year runs from July 1, 2013 to July 1, 2014.
It could be several more years before any of the gambling facilities actually open for business.
The law provides a specific formula for distributing gaming revenues for education, transportation, local aid and other purposes.
