Massachusetts casino debate delayed until after Labor Day

Debate on various proposals that could bring casinos to Massachusetts has been pushed back to after Labor Day.

“Both the House of Representatives and the Senate are in the midst of active negotiations on a number of matters, including court reform and human trafficking,” House Speaker Robert DeLeo and Senate President Therese Murray announced Wednesday in a joint statement issued after Boston area media representatives sought details about the Legislature’s upcoming agenda.

The debate will now take place in the middle of September.

In a note to investors, Union Gaming Group principal Bill Lerner said Thursday that a recent gaming-related study found Massachusetts residents constitute the largest out-of-state patron group at two casinos in neighboring Connecticut, Foxwoods (31 percent) and Mohegan Sun (19.5 percent) and spent roughly $613 million at the two casinos in 2010.

“Rising unemployment combined with an estimated $2 billion state budget deficit in fiscal 2012 is leading to frustration amongst Massachusetts residents as other states around the country are approving gaming,” Lerner said. “If Gov. Deval Patrick remains opposed to adding slots at racetracks, then legislators could override a potential veto if the bill is approved by two thirds majority in both branches.”