Road to a Western Massachusetts casino groundbreaking a long one
BOSTON Casino gambling now is legal in Massachusetts, but it could take about five more years for a casino resort to open its doors in the state.
The chairman of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, which is still being organized and would select developers and regulate casinos, said he is doubtful bids will be sought this year for casino resorts.
Chair Stephen P. Crosby, appointed by Gov. Deval L. Patrick, says his best guess for a timetable is that requests for applications for casino licenses will be issued in nine to 18 months.
After bids are awarded, it could take another two years of construction, meaning a casino resort may not open its doors until 2015 or 2016, according to estimates by a top legislator.