Gov. Patrick Signs Bill Extending Simulcasting At Mass. Racetracks

BOSTON (AP) - Gov. Deval Patrick has signed a bill allowing the state's racetracks to continue simulcasting greyhound and horse races from other states for another six months.
 
The extension, approved by the legislature last week, comes just days before the current simulcasting agreement was set to expire on July 31.
 
The agreement also allows the two tracks that race horses to hold 80 live racing days instead of 100 to continue simulcasting races, and continues simulcasts of dog races from out of state. Simulcasting has been a key source of revenue for the state's racetracks since Massachusetts voters decided in 2008 to outlaw live greyhound racing.
 
Whether to allow slot machines at tracks has been a key issue in the debate to legalize casino gambling. Lawmakers plan to have that debate in September.

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