March 18, 2008 NECN Extra: DiMasi lashes out at casino plan Play video

(NECN: Boston, Mass.) - Massachusetts House Speaker Sal DiMasi is making his last-minute arguments against bringing casino gambling to the Bay State -- as the Statehouse prepares for a hearing on the issue.

DiMasi spoke Tuesday to the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, saying Gov. Deval Patrick's plan to build three resort-style casinos in the state would cause damage "on a grand scale."

DiMasi says we should keep our culture the same in Massachusetts, especially in economic development.

However, DiMasi knows that despite him being opposed to the bill, every bill has a fair chance.

A key legislative hearing was scheduled on the measure later today. If lawmakers choose not to support it, the plan could come up for a vote as early as Thursday in the full House, where Speaker Salvatore DiMasi has said he'll vote against it.

Patrick and DiMasi have engaged in a contentious - and increasingly personal - battle over the governor's bill.