Gov. Patrick says Brown talked slots recently

Gov. Deval Patrick says Sen. Scott Brown lobbied for adding slot machines at a Massachusetts racetrack during a meeting about a critical federal finance bill, but he doesn't think the senator was trying to trade one for the other.

Brown has long supported adding slot machines at the Plainridge Racecourse harness racing track in his former state Senate district. Patrick opposes placing slot machines at the state's four racetracks, fearing they would cut into business at the three resort-style casinos he favors for Massachusetts.

The House and Senate are trying to settle the question while working to produce an expanded gambling law for the state.

Brown's spokeswoman says Brown views gaming as a way to help stimulate the economy and create thousands of jobs.