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Amidst Criticism, Mass. Lawmakers Talk Casino Bill

BOSTON (AP) -- A coalition of gambling opponents is calling on lawmakers to oppose the state's latest gaming bill that would bring three casinos and a slot parlor to Massachusetts.

Religious leaders, social workers, and gambling opponents rallied on the State House steps Tuesday to protest the bill that they say has been pushed by the state without a serious look at the economic and social costs to communities and individuals

The rally came as House Democrats held a closed-door caucus to discuss the measure that is scheduled for debate on Wednesday. House Speaker Robert DeLeo said after the meeting that the bill is about creating thousands of jobs and producing hundreds of millions in revenue for the state.

WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Ben Parker reports.

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DeLeo said he was confident of House passage, adding that members would consider any amendments that strengthen the bill.

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

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