For gambling types, the smart money is riding on Massachusetts.

This week, Gov. Deval Patrick is expected to unveil legislation legalizing gaming, which would invite three major gambling resorts into the Bay State. Patrick is promising money in the pocket to property taxpayers if his bill passes.

Contrast this bold proposal to Maine, which is facing a referendum in three short weeks about permitting a racino in Washington County, even as a new state committee wrangles with how exactly these types of facilities should pay tribute to their friendly local governments.

An account of Tuesday’s meeting of the Committee to Review the Taxation of Slot Machine Revenues, by Mal Leary of the Capital News Service, detailed fissures in how Maine has cobbled its gaming laws, especially the lack of accountability for how gaming subsidies are spent.

Unfortunately, this issue is outside the committee’s purview. Maine’s other gaming oversight body, the Gambling Control Board, is also too weak to make waves.

It’s become clear Maine’s government is not going to be a change agent when it comes to gaming. As this last legislative session proved, when slots speak, Augusta listens.

Which leaves voters stranded. Though quieter, this upcoming racino vote echoes the issues and voices from the 2003 Sanford casino referendum. Proponents advocate for the tax revenue and economic development; detractors drum about the out-of-state interests, social ills and poor economic policymaking.

Voters, it appears, are no better suited today than 2003 to decide about gambling. Nothing much has changed.

Except the presence of competition.

Massachusetts has grabbed the reins away from town-by-town, casino-by-casino efforts – such as what’s occurred in Maine – to make the rules for gaming establishments to follow. And if successful, three major resort casinos could open within easier driving distance for Mainers than the Connecticut megaliths.

Gov. Patrick’s effort is a risky proposal. But if successful, it could spin economic projections for Maine’s racinos around like a roulette ball, now and into the future, and solidify that these parlors serve Mainers only.

Ninety-four percent of players at Hollywood Slots already are from Maine, according to the Center for Public Policy at the University of Massachusetts in Dartmouth. The presence of the slot parlor, the center also found, did nothing to staunch the flow of Maine gamblers heading south to Connecticut.

It’s more than arguable three Massachusetts resort casinos could even increase southerly flow, which should have an impact on geographically challenged establishments, such as the proposed racino in Calais.

Prospects of strong gambling competition from Massachusetts are unexpected wildcards in Maine’s upcoming referendum. Regardless of individual opinions on gaming, Massachusetts and Gov. Patrick deserve credit for taking a leadership role in defining its gaming landscape.

And in doing so, have cast a new shadow over Maine’s evergreen gambling debate.