Casino Gambling in Mass. Close to Reality, Bill Heads to Gov. Patrick's Desk [POLL]

Casino gambling in Massachusetts is one step away from becoming legalized.

Massachusetts' lawmakers gave the final approval Wednesday evening to the bill legalizing casino gambling in Massachusetts, the Boston Globe reports. The legislation has been sent to Governor Deval Patrick's desk for his signature, which he is expected to sign early next week.

Approved legislation would allow for three resort-style casinos and one slot parlor.

The topic of legalized casino gambling in Massachusetts has been a hot topic throughout the state.

In late summer of this year, a draft of zoning changes for Foxborough by a lawyer for the Kraft Group raised the idea that the Kraft family could play a role in the State's gambling plans.

More recently, New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, acted crafty in comments concerning a possible casino in Foxborough. 

The Boston Globe reported that when Kraft was asked about the potential for a casino on the land he owns across from Gillette Stadium, he told reporters, "I don't want to say anything."

Although the Krafts are staying mum on a possible interest in a casino, National Football League rules bar franchises from owning casinos. However, the league does not have any rules against leasing or selling land to casino operators. Any casino developer would also have to win approval in a local ballot before winning a license.

If Governor Patrick signs the casino bill as expected, developers could come back to Foxborough with a more solid plan.