Gaming board looks to extend deadline

BOSTON – The Mass. Gaming Commission is hoping lawmakers push back a key deadline by as much of a year, saying taking over the work of the state racing commission will make it more difficult to get new casinos up and running, The Associated Press reported last week.
Commission Chairman Steven Crosby told the AP the panel will meet the May 20 deadline if necessary. However, delaying the takeover would make more sense. He said the commission is also working to better respond to city and town leaders who are already asking questions about potential casinos in their communities.
The chairman said that in some cases smaller towns are overwhelmed and may need organizational and financial support to help assess the prospect of a casino.
Commission members are also hoping to get better information on potential job numbers and revenue from casinos. &#8226