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Gov. Patrick Signs Bill Legalizing 3 Casinos, 1 Slots Parlor

BOSTON (AP) — Gov. Deval Patrick has signed a bill legalizing casinos in Massachusetts that supporters say will create thousands of jobs while generating hundreds of millions in revenues.

WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Doug Cope reports.

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Patrick first proposed legalizing casino gambling five years ago. He finally signed the measure Tuesday morning.

The new law is expected to spark a scramble for the licenses for the three casinos and one slots parlor envisioned by the bill.

Patrick's signing of the bill shifts control over the process to an as-yet-unnamed five-member gaming commission, whose members will all make more than $100,000 a year.

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The commission will have the power to approve or deny licenses for the casinos and slots parlor.

The bill represents the largest expansion of gambling in Massachusetts since the creation of the state lottery in 1971.

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.

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