Senate begins talks on legalizing gambling

The Senate started its first day of formal debate over legalizing casinos in Massachusetts on Monday, despite Senate President Therese Murray’s claims that the bill already has the votes to pass.

Murray said last week that she would let the members of the Senate fully debate all 182 proposed amendments before she would call a vote to send the bill back to the House of Representatives, where a similar version has already been passed.

Senators debated the extensive list of amendments to the gambling bill with Murray occasionally punctuating the chatter by calling an amendment to vote.

Senators passed amendments requiring casinos to check the immigration status of all employees and contractors hired and the commissioning of reports that analyze the effect of any proposed casino on the surrounding small businesses.

The Senate will meet again tomorrow, but will then take the rest of the week off in observance of the Jewish New Year.

Those who oppose the gambling bill are expected to use a variety of stalling techniques that could push a final vote further into the future, said Laura Schroeder, a representative in Murray’s office.

“Opponents of the bill in the Senate have the ability to use several delay tactics to end consideration of the bill for the day until the next session,” she said. “If all options are used by any member, this means the bill can be delayed for four separate sessions.”

Senators can filibuster by wasting the time allotted for discussion of any amendment, or they can “table” an amendment, which puts the amendment off until the following day.

Of the 182 proposed amendments, the Senate worked through 45, approving 15 and rejecting 30.

Murray is facing opposition from Senators in her own party, including Sen. Patricia Jehlen, of Somerville, who addressed reporters before Monday’s session.