As expected, the Massachusetts Senate has approved, 24-14, a bill that would authorize the licensing of three casinos and one racino.

This follows the House approval of a similar bill. Because of what was described as minor differences in the two bills, a conference committee will be established to iron out the differences.

It is expected to be on Gov. Deval Patrick’s desk soon. Patrick has expressed his approval of the gambling expansion.

Under the bill, three casino licenses will be awarded to bidders paying $85 million for the right to spend a minimum of $500 million on a casino complex. The racino license will cost $25 million.

Robert Norton, an executive with MTR Casino Group Inc. (MNTG), has been named president and general manager of the $500 million Arundel Mills Mall slots casino and entertainment complex currently being constructed by the Cordish Cos.

International Game Technology (IGT) announced it has installed its new sbX gaming system at the Cypress Bayou Casino in Charenton, Louisiana.

Also, IGT said it had won an Appellate Court decision affirming a district court judgment against Bally Technologies Inc. involving two IGT patents. The case will now return to the district court for a determination of damages.

The Indiana Gaming Commission reports it has received 4,200 requests from people who want to be barred from casinos. The applicants belong to the Voluntary Exclusion Program.