Mass. House rejects slots by 100-55

The hopes of supporters of expanded gaming in Massachusetts were dashed late Wednesday night when the state House of Representatives voted down a bill that would have allowed the installation of slots at the state's four racetracks.

A daylong debate closed with a 100-55 decision to reject the slots proposal, but the House approved an extension of simulcasting legislation through Dec. 31. Suffolk Downs was forced to close last Saturday when the last extension expired before new laws were put in place. Suffolk will reopen for simulcasting Friday afternoon, with live racing to begin May 6 and run through Nov. 11.

The state Senate, whose president, Robert Travaglini, represents a district containing Suffolk and Wonderland Greyhound Park, had overwhelmingly passed a measure last October allowing the tracks to get 2,000 slot machines.