Nov 7, 2007 8:01 am US/Eastern
Community Votes Give Casino Approval In 3 Towns
CHICOPEE (WBZ) ―
Voters in three Massachusetts cities gave the ok to casino gambling during a vote on Tuesday.
The ballot question in Pittsfield, which asked if voters would support casino gambling in the state, was approved 59 percent to 41 percent.
The vote was tighter in Chicopee and Worcester, where residents were asked if they would support casinos in their communities. Fifty-two percent of Worcester voters said "yes." Forty-eight percent of the residents who voted said "no."
In Chicopee, 51 percent voted in favor and 49 percent opposed.
Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick just recently filed legislation that would allow up to three casinos in the state, including one in western Massachusetts.
The latest vote taken by residents is non-binding, but if the Legislature approves Patrick's bill, casino proposals would have be backed by the local community.
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