News

Gambling votes set in two Mass. communities

WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (AP) - Voters in two more Massachusetts communities are set to decide whether they want to host gambling facilities.

A referendum is scheduled for Tuesday in West Springfield on Hard Rock's proposal to develop a casino at the site of the Eastern States Exposition. If voters approve, Hard Rock will likely be competing with MGM Resorts in Springfield and Mohegan Sun in Palmer for the sole western Massachusetts resort casino license.

Also on Tuesday, voters in Plainville will decide whether to go forward with a proposed slots parlor at the Plainridge harness race track. The state gaming commission ruled last week that Penn National Gaming could assume a host community agreement with Plainville after the current owners were disqualified by the commission for financial improprieties.

Three other companies are bidding for the sole Massachusetts slot parlor.