Mass. lawmakers approve three casinos and one slot parlor

BOSTON (AP) – Massachusetts lawmakers are on the verge of handing Gov. Deval Patrick a historic win, after approving a bill legalizing three casinos and a slots parlor in Massachusetts. Passage of the measure caps a five year legislative odyssey for Patrick, who first proposed licensing three resort style casinos in 2007.

The House voted 118-33 to accept a final compromise version of the bill Tuesday. The Senate quickly followed with a 23-14 vote.

The Senate later adjourned before taking a final procedural vote.

Patrick said the bill appears to conform to the general principles he and top legislative leaders had hammered out.

The final bill drops an amendment that could have lifted restrictions on happy hours in Massachusetts bars.

The bill also bans state lawmakers from working in the casino industry for one year after leaving office.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)