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Voters in 3 communities to cast casino ballots

BOSTON (AP) - Voters in three Massachusetts communities are heading to the polls to help decide the fate of two proposed casinos.

In East Boston and Revere voters will weigh in Tuesday on Suffolk Downs' proposed $1 billion casino at the 78-year-old thoroughbred racetrack. Favorable votes are needed before Suffolk Downs can apply to the state's gambling commission for the sole eastern Massachusetts casino license.

A Suffolk Downs official said he was "very optimistic" about the vote despite fallout from the track's recent decision to sever ties with its operating partner, Caesars Entertainment.

Voters in Palmer will decide whether Mohegan Sun can move forward with its bid to secure the single western Massachusetts casino license.

The final say on licenses belongs to the Massachusetts Gaming Commission.

A 2011 law authorized up to three casino licenses across the state.