Sen. Patricia Jehlen, a Somerville Democrat, is pushing an amendment to ban simulcasting greyhound races.
BOSTON (AP) — Massachusetts lawmakers have approved a bill that will allow the state's racetracks to continue simulcasting greyhound and horse races from other states for another six months.
The bill is now on Gov. Deval Patrick's desk. Without the extension the racetracks will have to stop simulcasting the races at the end of the month.
Simulcasting is a key source of revenue for the tracks, especially after Massachusetts voters decided in 2008 to outlaw live greyhound racing.
Track owners are also keeping a close eye on a planned debate on casino gambling that lawmakers have said will take place in September.
Sen. Patricia Jehlen, a Somerville Democrat, is pushing an amendment to ban simulcasting greyhound races, which she said goes against the spirit of the voter approved law.