Casino Bill Approved by Legislators; Provides Less in Local Aid

After numerous last-minute changes, a bill that would allow up to three resort-style casinos in Massachusetts was approved Wednesday afternoon and sent to Gov. Deval Patrick for his signature.

The bill includes some changes from previous versions approved separately by the state House of Representatives and state Senate. In the final bill, lawmakers agreed to divert funds from casino profits to the state's horse racing industry, according to the Boston Globe. The amount is estimated at $15 million, and otherwise would have gone to .

Milford could potentially be a host site. A developer, David Nunes, has said he plans to file an application for a casino license on property to the east of Interstate 495, near Holliston and Hopkinton, if the legislature authorizes casino gambling.

As a backup, Nunes tried earlier this year to , which failed a legal test.

The final version of the casino bill would retain a requirement that the host community get a referendum vote on whether to approve it.

Milford residents appear to be divided on the merits of a casino, and reader comments are any gauge.