The odds for casino plan seen improving: BC economist credits the proposed division of gambling revenues

When Gov. Deval Patrick files a bill aimed at bringing three casinos to Massachusetts, it faces a better chance in the Legislature than previous gaming expansion bills, one casino expert says.

The Rev. Richard McGowan, a Boston College economist, said Patrick's plan to divert some of the casino proceeds to fix roads and bridges and help residents with property taxes will increase its potential popularity.

''There's a goody in it for everybody,'' the Rev. McGowan said.

In addition to attractiveness to the general public, state lawmakers will have another reason to support the plan, he said: union pressure.

Several unions are already turning up the heat, including UNITE HERE, a national hotel and casino workers union that plans to run radio ads supporting Patrick's plan. Casinos potentially could create thousands of union jobs.

The Rev. McGowan said the unions, which give large amounts of money in campaign contributions, could help persuade some state lawmakers.

''I wouldn't be surprised if they told certain candidates that they would run a candidate up against them'' if the lawmaker refuses to support casinos, he said.

All in all, there's going to be a ''lot more pressure'' on House Democrats to expand gambling than there was last year, when the House shot down a proposal to allow slot machines at the state's four racetracks.

That decisive 100-55 vote - along with the steadfast opposition from House Speaker Salvatore DiMasi - has had many wondering whether casinos have a chance.

Rep. John Quinn, a Democrat from Dartmouth, said he believes a growing number of lawmakers will change their minds.

''This is different than slots at tracks,'' said Quinn, who supported the slot machines proposal last year. ''The money's not just going to a black hole in Boston. It's going to property tax relief, to roads and bridges.''

Patrick proposes to license three casinos, one each in the southeastern, western and Greater Boston regions of the state. The governor will file the legislation ''in the next week or two,'' A spokeswoman said.