The Senate voted 25-15 today to approve the bill after nearly 30 hours of debate over eight days.
The bill would allow one casino in each of three geographic zones. Supporters say the bill will create up to 15,000 permanent jobs and generate up to us$ 355 million in annual state revenues.
The Senate bill now heads to a six-member legislative conference committee to be reconciled with the House bill, which would license just two casinos but allow 750 slot machines at each of the state's four racetracks.
Governor Deval Patrick supports what he calls resort-style "destination casinos" but is opposed to racetracks slots.