The state's house and senate's approval spoke volumes for gambling enthusiasts, however, it was cut short with Governor Deval Patrick's opposition. Patrick was opposed to this legislation due to the fact that the four racetracks would compete for the slot parlor licenses and as such, refused to sign the bill. He also stated that the slot machine parlors would not have a large impact on the creation of jobs.

Instead of vetoing the bill, Patrick decided to return the bill to the legislators in an effort to make amendments to the bill including eliminating the slot machine parlors. He is hoping that during a special session, the congressmen could make changes and bring it back to him to sign. By doing this, Patrick was able to keep the bill alive and maintain the possibility of passing an online gambling law. Gubernatorial candidate Timothy Cahill commented on Patrick's decision stating that not accepting the bill could cost the state up to 15,000 jobs.

The Massachusetts gambling bill has received national attention. Despite the impact it would have on the state, it could have a great impact on many other companies in the industry as well as the gambling industry in other states. Many different gambling companies such as Las Vegas Sands Corp. and Harrah's Entertainment have quietly expressed interest in the potential casinos in Massachusetts. Wall Street is also watching this development as it may take away from the gambling in other states such as Las Vegas. Others speculate that allowing the casinos in Massachusetts could take away from the neighboring American Indian casinos in Connecticut.

Many analysts believe that a bill of some form will eventually be passed in the state of Massachusetts due to the large degree of support. With the governor's willingness to send the bill back as opposed to let it die, it shows that even he is interested in passing some form of gambling bill.

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